A few years ago, we went to lovely Loch Lomond on a family holiday for a couple of weeks. Just north of where we stayed, there is a stunningly beautiful stretch of the A83 known as the ‘Rest and be thankful’ pass. The road is part of a military road built by soldiers in 1753 and is named after the wording on a stone that they erected at the top of the mountain pass.

The climb up is so steep and the view from the top so stunning, it’s easy to see why those were the words that were on their minds as they reached the top – ready for a rest, thankful probably that they made it to the top and, I imagine, full of wonder and thankfulness at the beauty that surrounded them.

Rest and be thankful – it’s a great reminder as we hit September and schools begin to return. New years are a great opportunity for some 360 degree gratitude time! Time to look back and reflect on where you have been – time to notice where you are right now and time to look ahead to what is to come.

To help get you started, I’ve created a 360 degree gratitude reflection tool (see image below). You might like to have a moment of stillness and quiet on your own, or you might like to do this as a family and encourage each other as you prepare for the new academic year together.

So, before you launch into the term fully, why not pause and grab a few minutes to rest and be thankful!

Download a printable PDF of 360 degree reflection tool [here].