Expressing Gratitude

Sometimes in the thick of a busy workweek, we can barely get all our “to-do” items checked off the list, make a healthy meal, find time to exercise and then try to squeak in some quality sleep. I know, I have lost entire weeks and can’t seem to understand where they went.

As I try to simplify and slow down my entire life (okay, I said try), I aim to do only one thing at a time and I try to do it well and mindfully. And, I try to look around me throughout the day and notice things to be thankful for. I know it might sound hokey, but believe me, it makes a difference in the quality of the day. Just yesterday I received a call from my beloved nephew and we chatted for well over 30 minutes– and I realized that it is so good to have family who loves you and thinks about you enough to call you in the midst of a busy day to let you know that they are thinking of you.

And because I am on Block Island for this week, I have had plenty of walks with Bolo on the beach, early walks so we can catch the glorious sunrises. And I am thankful, because this time last year Bolo was so incapacitated with paralysis that we had to carry him everywhere. And now sometimes I just stand and watch him bounce along through the sand and water and just smile.

It is often easiest to express gratitude in the best of times. For example, when Sandy and I are spending a glorious afternoon on the beach and he is pulling in fish like there’s no tomorrow while I try to read my book, it is easy to revel in the moment and be thankful as well. When life has thrown us adversity, being greatful is a bit more difficult. But I also know from personal experience, that changing my mindset from “why me?”  to “why not me?” and finding something to be positively thankful for– this has proved to be helpful in harder times.

Take a few moments out of your day to dwell on the positive circumstances, people and things in your life. Create that positive energy flow that acts like a magnet for more positive energy. Push aside the complaints for a week, and replace them with genuine feelings of gratitude, and watch wonderful things happen in your life.  Allow good things to happen, and they will!