Lately I have been observing a lot of unexpected shifts happening in people’s lives; some good and some not so good. With the year 2019 winding down, things appear to be accelerating rather than decelerating. This is not only my perception, but have heard many express this same feeling.
Being fully entrenched in the fall season, it’s a good time to take moments to pause and reassess what has happened in the year in order to determine what you want to keep and what things you want to let go. Often times it’s easier to recognize that which you want to keep, rather than the things that no longer serve you, that needs to be let go.
This is where the power of gratitude comes in. Being grateful for all the good things that happen, as well as being grateful for the challenges, help you to appreciate the life that you live. Many times, when you perceive a lot of changes or challenges are coming at you, you fail to see the good that also surrounds you. By making it a practice to identify at least three things you are grateful for at the end of your day, will slowly but surely help you build up your gratitude reservoir. This gratitude reservoir is essential for times when you feel overwhelmed – physically, mentally, and emotionally challenged – and when going through life transitions.
Change is one of the hardest things to deal with, since it creates stress about unknown circumstances and situations that are yet to be experienced. Recognizing that change is a constant in life, and learning to surrender to what life will bring, makes all the difference. The only control that you have is how you choose to perceive and experience what is occurring in your life. By identifying your triggers, as well as taking responsibility for how you choose to react or deal with situations, is your saving grace.
I have learned that when you point the finger at someone or at a situation causing you grief, instead of taking ownership, you create more dissension, along with added stress and overwhelm. It’s essential to know and own your responsibilities and understand what the other person’s responsibilities are. Initially it takes more energy and work, but in the long run, it brings more ease.
Knowing that you are in control of your thoughts and feelings is quintessential to creating a more balanced perspective and harmony in your life. An attitude of gratitude is the cornerstone of creating more grace and happiness. Identifying the benefits of your past and current challenges and fears, further helps you to be grateful for the life that you live, and allows you to know that if you choose to make shifts in your life, you can do so.
Being grateful allows you to be in your heart and experience life fully without the entrapments of past conditioned behavior patterns. Gratitude doesn’t cost you a cent, but gives you so much more. Don’t wait until Thanksgiving to thank those in your life you are grateful for. Choose the present moment to be grateful for being alive and to be true to yourself.
