Life is full of ups and downs, accomplishments and setbacks, joy and sadness. These are part of the journey each of us takes on the Earth. This is the human condition.
Another aspect of the human condition is “choice.” We get to choose how much effort we put into the journey, and we get to choose how to respond to the experiences we have along the way.
When we experience the downs, the setbacks and sadness, life can feel hard and disappointing. But amidst this, there are always things to be grateful for … if we “choose” to acknowledge them.
I have found from personal experience, and in observing those of my coaching clients, that when we acknowledge the “silver lining” in the black cloud, a sense of hope and possibility rises up out of the anxiety and fear that most often accompanies the difficulties we encounter.
When we choose to acknowledge gratefulness for the co-worker who offers a knowing smile after a challenging meeting, or for the spouse who makes a delicious dinner after a hard day at work, or for the fifteen minutes of quiet you gave yourself this morning to envision and plan your day, … the gorgeous sunset, … the full moon in the night sky, … a hug from your child, … a nuzzle from your puppy – all such awareness helps to move our focus from the negative to the positive aspects of life.
I am not suggesting that anyone put on rose-colored glasses. I am inviting you to give positivity and gratefulness equal time (or more) to negativity and complaint.
If life is challenging you – or even if it isn’t – consider starting a Gratefulness Journal. Each night before you go to bed, list at least six things you are grateful for that day. Large things or small things, they all count. (As you know, sometimes it’s the small things that make the biggest difference.)
By doing this you initiate a shift in perspective. You are re-setting the way your mind thinks about and views your experiences. After using a gratefulness journal for a while, you will catch yourself looking for the positive in each day.
We are on this journey, one way or the other. Choosing the grateful way expands and opens our path, and is oh-so-much-more enjoyable than the other alternatives. Start your Gratefulness Journal today!
Blessings, Plynn
Plynn Gutman 