Beginning the day with gratitude
As birds chirp their morning song, the suns golden rays start their dance across our part of the world. The day begins, waiting for us to awaken. This is the perfect time to express gratitude.
For me, it starts with my alarm if I have not woken beforehand. It is titled – ‘Grateful for the morning’. This reminds me to appreciate wakening to a new day of opportunity whereby I can continue towards achieving my goals. I express gratitude that I am alive with hopes, dreams, and aspirations. Each new breath also a reminder of how fortunate I am to have good health with very few limitations.
Next, I write in my Gratitude Journal listing at least ten aspects of my life I am grateful for. Oftentimes it will surpass ten with ease. Then I reflect on the three wins from the day before, and three aims for today.
Most days after being mindfully grateful, I recall a friends astonished expression when I told her about my gratitude journaling. She could not fathom how I came up with ten. In that moment I felt surprise tinged with sadness. How could someone not have at least ten things they are thankful for?
I have found it true that the more often you are thankful, the easier it is so be grateful. You are less likely to not be as concerned with that which is lacking. As too, is the concept that the more you are grateful, the more life gives you to be grateful for.
A time when I saw others lacking gratitude
Many years ago I was somewhat intolerant of people who did not seem to be aware how fortunate they were. I felt bewilderment at how people infrequently realised they were lucky to have energy and a co-operating body. It seemed that they lacked appreciation and gratitude.
At that time, I was in the grips of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia at its worst. Some days I could do so little. Then there was the period of around a month I was unable to do a single thing for myself. I could not get out of bed or go to the bathroom or shower unassisted. I was unable to even hold a fork or spoon to feed myself, let alone prepare something to eat. The worst was barely being able to have a two minute conversation with my loved ones taking care of me. I slept at least eighteen hours a day, not by choice but because my body demanded so.
recovering with a different view
As I began to recover and function again, I rejoiced with sheer gratitude. I could move or do something for myself. Each day offered promise that I would be less fatigued, in less pain and be able to do more. Although, I have to add here that I would choose pain any day over debilitating chronic fatigue!
With better energy levels and greater capacity to do more, I remembered how all things are relative. Few cannot truly understand something unless it has been experienced first hand. I realised that folks enjoying their energetic lives were not horrible, selfish, or without a caring cell in their body. They were just doing what so many of us do. They were going about their daily lives without being truly mindful of what they have to be grateful for.
Being mindful of all the good in our lives
Sometimes it takes adversity for us to see what makes our lives amazing. Health professionals have suggested we write daily in a gratitude journal so we can mindfully look at our worlds. Noting that which we are grateful for is beneficial and we start or end our days on a positive note.
So I leave you with this question – what are you grateful for today?
Take a few minutes to give it some thought. Notice how you feel afterward. If it is gratitude for someone that makes a difference in your life, go one step further and tell them.
I am grateful for you spending some of your precious time here.
Have a great day and remember – Gratitude All The Way!
More of my thoughts and fictional stories can be read here
