Gratitude
It has been difficult the past several months to be able to focus on what there is to be grateful for. With all the politicians saying that they can do a better job than the other person; with people losing their jobs and/or their homes; and it seems that the cost of everything that we consume has gone up.
Because it seems that everyone is saying things are so bad, it is extremely hard to be able to remember what is good. Even when we do look at the things we have, sometimes we focus on the negative aspects. I have a roof over my head, but the carpet needs to be replaced, the sidewalk needs to be fixed, the stairs squeak…the list goes on and on. I am no longer focusing on what I have to be grateful for, but I am focused on the imperfections. Instead, I need to be focusing on the fact that I DO have a roof over my head, in spite of all it’s imperfections. It is a real house with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, shingles on the roof, a garage for my cars, a large back yard and a safe place, not only for my belongings, but for my family also. Now I am focused on what I have to be thankful for.
You may be thinking that maybe your house or apartment isn’t as large as so and so’s, but you do have a roof over your head. I have lived in countries where a discarded refrigerator box is someone’s home. It is a very humbling experience to see that.
I take a lot of things that I have for granted. For instance, I never realized that not everyone everywhere had washers and dryers until I visited Bolivia where the majority of the people still wash their clothes by hand and hang them out to dry, regardless of the weather. I didn’t know that not every place has running, hot water and/or a bathtub, until I lived in Brazil and had to bathe my kids in a large plastic tub.
The things that I take for granted and consider necessities are actually luxuries for a lot of other people, whether in our country or in other parts of the world.
So what is there to be thankful/grateful for? Take a look around you and see what you do have. Remember to focus on what you do have, in spite of all the imperfections. A great way to help you remember the things that you are thankful for is to keep a gratitude journal. This could be something as simple as a notebook or an appointment book with dates. Take some time each night to list 5 things that you are thankful for.
Here is an example of what I could put on my list:
1. A bowl of vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup (small thing)
2. A roof over my head (large thing)
3. Time spent with friends and family (non-material)
4. Sunshine or rain (something that is truly out of my control)
5. My health (in spite of all the imperfections, I am fairly healthy)
Take time each evening and write down the things that you have to be grateful for. Whether it is large or small, it truly doesn’t matter, but take the time to recognize and rejoice in the things that you DO have. Focus on those things and feel gratitude in your heart for them.
You will be amazed at how different your day will be. When you see things will gratitude in your heart, your mind will be sharper, your step will be lighter and your day will be filled with wonderful things.
What I am truly thankful for is the opportunity to be able to work with you towards your goal of better health, physical and emotional healing, as well as more relaxation and less stress.
YOUR PARTNER IN AWARENESS AND HEALING,
Kathy