Being Grateful

Happy February!! The month of Love and for me, it’s the month of Gratitude. So this month is all about being thankful. I know most people do the gratitude thing in November, but let’s be honest I’m just not like most people. 😊

Gratitude: Psychology Today defines gratitude as “an emotion expressing appreciation for what one has,” and the one thing I love is A Gratitude List. I love them! Gratitude lists are good at helping us focus on the positive and not the negative. They can shift our paradigm. For example, you may not have the biggest or fanciest house in the neighborhood, but you have a house and you are able to take that house and transform it into a home. During those times when you are down and frustrated take the time and create your gratitude list. Because as bad as things are, they truly can be worse, right? Let me give you an example. If you have read some of my previous blogs you know that in April my daughter went into preterm labor and gave birth to a 4-pound 4-ounce baby girl. Now I’m going to be honest with you, this little girl came into this world with several medical problems. So far, she has had four surgeries and numerous procedures and after 98 days in NICU, we were able to bring her home. It would be very easy for us to look at all the negatives, the complications, and the struggles, and the pain she has incurred but we don’t. Instead, we choose to focus on how far she has come, how much she has overcome and how sweet, smart and funny she is. I even have family and friends who will start off a conversation with me and say “Oh I am so sorry about your granddaughter it must be so hard, it’s so sad, she’s been through so much.” At which time I want to roll my eyes and let out a resounding “UGGGHHH!!” but I don’t instead I kindly reply “You’re right it has been challenging, but she made it through, and yes we have a few more surgeries to go but she is meeting her goals and making strides every day. She is a very sweet and strong little girl and we are so blessed to have her here with us.” This is where your gratitude list can shift your paradigm. Would you like to focus on the negative and dwell on the past of what happened or would you like to be present in today? Because if you have to look back then look back at where you have been and how far you have come. Look at all the positivity that has come out of your situation. And I know what you’re thinking well not every situation is easy to overcome, and you may be right. But even Christopher Reeds said “Some people are walking around with full use of their bodies and they’re more paralyzed than I am” and he’s right. There are people who allow the negativity to take over their lives and immobilize them because they don’t think they are good enough, strong enough, or have enough money, etc. but you can’t let that stop you. You have to stop looking at all the things you don’t have and focus on what you do have. Be grateful for your family, and your home. Be grateful for the outdoors and the sunsets and the peace you find in the woods. You can even take any situation or setting and you can make it negative or positive. It’s your choice. So, when you find you are in that negative space or in the middle of a lot of negative talk going on inside of your head make your gratitude list and be thankful. Be thankful for a new day and another chance and the loved ones that surround you.

If negativity is something you struggle with then I challenge you to make a gratitude list every day, even if it’s just one thing you can be grateful for and write it down.

May you find peace in today