In Keeping With Gratitude

Thinking about this last year, I find myself being grateful for my life and experiences, both positive and negative, and looking forward to the new year and the exciting uncertainty with what lays ahead.  I have learned that where we are at any given moment is exactly where we should be and that everything goes or flows according to Divine order.

 

If I can consider for one moment letting the world around me unfold naturally without trying to "figure it all out".  If I can let relationships just be and not try so hard to force something to work and just silently observe or allow it to unfold.  If I cannot always fret and try to understand my child, my parents, siblings, boss and anyone else, because there is something greater out there than me working at it at all times.  When my expectations are smashed and I practice allowing it to be the way that it is.  Relax, let go, allow and realize that some of my desires are about how I think my world should be, rather than how it is in that moment how much better off will I be?  How much more at peace and living in gratitude for what is will I be?  If I become an observer and judge less and listen more and take time to open my mind to the mystery and uncertainty that we all experience in this life how much happier will I truly be.......


 

Gratitude

In keeping with my post from earlier this week, I'd like to add a few more things to my GRATITUDE list ~

• My wonderful son
• My parents, brother, sister-in-law, niece and nephew
• My entire family
• My friends
• My life

God has showered me with many blessings.  The love of my wonderful family and friends.  The good health I enjoy.  The ability to walk, talk, see, hear, run, play, work and learn all on my own.

Please feel free to add to this list what you are grateful for.

 

Life's Blessings Finding The Positives

I don't know if anyone ever feels down being a single parent and dealing with all the stress of being 2-parents-in-one?  I know that I sure have!  I have however found that one way to turn that "feeling down/ho-hum" feeling around is to count at least one blessing every day.  No matter how small it may seem. 

 

I've struggled a lot with depression over the years and always seemed to look at what I DON'T have instead of focusing on WHAT I DO!  In the end, I've learned that all the medication and counseling in the world could never even begin to fix what ails me unless I start with my mind.  The power of the mind is very strong and can either be your best friend or your worst nightmare.

 

I've heard it said that what you focus on expands so if that stands to reason, it's no wonder that the more I focus on "how bad life is" and what I DON'T have it seems to grow and ultimately I feel worse.  I've decided to try an experiment and look at things differently this holiday season focusing on what I DO have and while it may be difficult at times to do so with finances being tight and the lack of sun we see during this time of year, I've thought about at the same time I am focusing on the positives in my life, I will also put myself in a position to do something for someone else every day even if I "don't feel like it" and maybe I will find more blessings and things to be thankful for along the way.  I heard a saying once, "I cried because I had no shoes until I saw a man who had no feet."  How much brighter could I make someone else's day if I just simply smile at them while passing on the street or by holding a door for someone and telling them to have a nice day.  I think focusing on what I do have while at the same time working to help make someone else feel a bit better just may do the trick?  The person I smile at or talk to or hold the door for, may be feeling the exact same way I do and not know how to find relief from it.  In the end, I will not only be helping myself but "my fellow man" as well.

 

 

Today, I'd like to start a GRATITUDE list.  Anyone who wishes to add something they are thankful for, please feel free to post it here.

• My wonderful son.