Gratitude

It’s been said that expressing gratitude can greatly improve one’s mental health. By finding the good, recognizing that we do, in fact, have wonderful lives, and declaring how grateful we are for the many blessings that have been bestowed upon us, we can change our attitudes and become more positive people. Live longer. Be more healthy. Be happier. Be calmer. Fill in the blank . . .

A few years ago or so, when I was going through a particularly rough patch (read: hell) I remember reading about the gratitude phenomenon and decided to give it a try by creating a Gratitude Journal. I even went to the store and bought a mini notebook in which I could keep track of my feelings of gratitude. I used a stencil and colored pencils to decorate the inside cover with a few swirly flourishes and the words, “Give thanks”. And on that very day I wrote my first entry: “I am grateful for effortless mobility.” I remember writing that specifically because as I walked into the store to buy said notebook I observed two people who required the use of scooters in order to do their shopping. Let me state for the record that there is absolutely nothing wrong with using a scooter or other transportation device. If it helps someone get around so that they can do the things that they want and need to do then, by all means, go for it. I mean, who doesn’t want to hang on to their independence?? Anyway, please just keep in mind that, at the time, I was clinging desperately to something positive so that I didn’t burst into tears.

On the second day I wrote: “I’m grateful for the sunshine and fresh air.”

On Day Three I wrote: “I am thankful for my fantastic husband.”

Day Seven said: “I’m glad the day is over.”

Day Ten was: “I’m thankful that I have kind children who can think for themselves.”

Day Twelve: “I thank God I didn’t strangle anyone today.”

Day Fourteen: “I’m grateful for vodka.”

At that point I stopped writing in my Gratitude Journal . . .

I knew immediately that my mental state was racing downhill toward a brick wall with no brakes. I was going through the motions and it wasn’t working. I call it ‘forced gratitude’ – thinking, saying, or writing the words to practically bully them into being. A desperate attempt to manifest those feelings. And it doesn’t feel sincere. For me, personally, it needs to be what I truly feel in order to believe it and live in it.

Since then things have greatly improved (thank goodness!) and I still try to express my gratitude on a regular basis, I just choose not to write it down. And when I do voice it I make sure that the sentiment is genuine.

More recent events in life have caused me to see lots of things in a different light. They’ve moved me to really think about what’s truly important in life, what I want, who I am and who I want to be, and what I’m willing to do (or not!) in order to achieve the kind of life I wish for myself. And really, it usually boils down to a few things: better relationships with the people I know and love, growing old with my husband, pursuing my passions, and doing the things I love to do.

Basically, life is much too short to waste it on things that don’t really matter or bring joy and value to our lives.

I realize that is, by no means, a novel concept. I think we all probably know it to be true. The problem is actually acting on it. I journal on a regular basis and I’ve come up with a few things that I’m going to implement that I hope will make my life a little better, a little easier, and maybe a little lighter. First on my list is expressing my gratitude whenever it strikes me. A reminder that I am alive, that I have a great life with wonderful people in it, and that even when things go sideways there’s an opportunity to grow.

What are you grateful for today?

I am grateful for you. And I’m thankful for the opportunity to be able to share what I learn with you so that, hopefully, you can use it to make a change for the better in your life.

Lots of light and love to all!

#gratitude

The information provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only and is, in no way, a substitute for professional medical advice. The events, practices, and opinions discussed here are those of the author and should be treated as such. ALWAYS talk with your doctor about conditions, medications, and concerns you have about your health and work together to determine the best course of action for you.