I recently had a conversation with one of my girlfriends about gratitude. It’s a word that I see on mugs, doormats, t-shirts, bumper stickers, etc. Anyway, it was just a nice but thoughtful exchange about life and what being thankful means on a deep level. Our talk struck a chord with me and got me thinking about how vast gratitude penetrates if we allow it. No matter what your circumstance may be, no matter how hard your life is, there is always an opportunity to find gratitude. I’m not saying it’s easy, I’m just saying its possible. Gratitude can be found in a sunset, a warm cup of tea, a gentle smile. There is goodness all around us, despite the pain, if we look for it.
I have noticed that some of my friends and loved ones continually chase some “thing” to save them, heal them or settle them. I often wonder if the answer is not to be found in the external, but rather inside. Maybe the gold is within. Maybe the peace comes from giving and focusing less on ourselves and our discomforts. As I contemplated this, I found myself reflecting on things that I truly am thankful for. I am trying to relish in these moments. I found that all of the things I loved most had nothing to do with me, but with others. The experience was quite beautiful and settling.
While I know my life is beyond blessed with health and abundance, I am no stranger to indulging in my own worries and hurts. I can easily forget the blessings that fill my world such as, healthy children, plenty of food and a strong body. I am thankful to breath clean air and to feel love in my heart. All immense blessings, not to be taken lightly.
Ironically, I was sitting in church, and one of the discussions turned into the topic of gratitude. It was shared that if you write down five things you’re thankful for and make a habit of contemplating those things daily, your mindset will change. It’s a tangible practice that creates more awareness of your surroundings, changing how you feel physically and shifting your perspective. I have been practicing this and the shift is quite profound. It’s like an internal reboot. I know that when I am mindful of what I am grateful for in a deeply intentional way, I am much happier and I tend to surround myself with people who have that same mindset. It’s quite powerful.
I want to be a light in the world. I believe it is our duty as conscious human beings. I also know that I am only human and oftentimes, I feed off of others. When I spend my time being around negativity, I merge with that energy. It does not bring out my best, and at my age, there is no time for anything other than giving my best in this world. Our precious planet needs as many light bearers as possible. When I am giving, I am growing and my heart is full. When I am in this space there is no time to indulge in the negative. Gratitude is certainly the answer!
