"Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world."
- Sarah Ban Breathnach
If you read theaginghippie you know some of the difficult issues that I have in my life. Although they may seem enough, I have many more to share. That being said, I am blessed. Each and every day I am grateful and thankful. And, I smile.
Sure, I have my moments. At times I am sarcastic, critical and (gulp) mean, but as i become more grateful they occur less. That's what this column is about - changing the channel and becoming grateful.
When you don't like what's on TV you change the channel. When you don't like your thoughts, change your focus.
Again, the optimist is right, the pessimist is right. Which do you choose? You can wallow, feel sorry for yourself, be angry or (substitute negative emotion here.) Or you can find the things that make you smile.
I had a rough day at work today. An acquaintance was let go, friends were reprimanded and it was overly stressful. I stopped to see my granddaughter, Sam, afterwards and can't stop smiling. Just grinning ear to ear!
She was in the backyard, came around the corner, saw it was me and beamed - running to hug me. It makes my heart smile. All of my girls do. It is one of those moments that changes your life. I stopped drinking because of moments like that. I am grateful and blessed for that.
Here are some of the ways you can start to change the channel, find the thing that makes your heart smile and be grateful.
My lovely and wise sister, Darlene, recommends a Gratitude Journal. Get a small composition book or notebook, keep it on your nightstand, find three things that you are grateful for and enter them before you go to bed. I told you she was wise, this way you end the day smiling and you set up the next day by going to bed happy.
When you are looking for something to be grateful for it can be anything. It's what makes you smile or happy. It could be a child, a gesture, a bird flying or a sunset. As Bella says "Everyday is a good day."
OK, I am going to try this one ---a Kansas City Minister challenged people to go 21 days without complaining, criticizing or gossiping. The participants wore a 'NO COMPLAINT' purple wristband to condition themselves. If you don't have a wristband you could use a charm or some sort of token that represents this to reinforce and condition yourself.
Starting tomorrow until October 10th I will not complain, criticize or gossip. This should be very interesting. If anyone cares to join me let me know, I'll get some wristbands or something sent out to you if you choose.
I apologize for the inconsistent postings to date. I am working on getting that changed and appreciate your patience. I will get a routine down soon. I'll leave you with the following quote:
“If the only prayer you said was thank you, that would be enough.”
- Meister Eck
