Gratitude List

I had a very uncomfortable conversation today. It made me so sad that I was in danger of losing myself in the grief. On a conscious level, I knew it was important to feel the sorrow, but also knew I wanted to move through it. With the help of a trusted friend, I was able to release the emotion and spend the rest of my day in a healthier, happier place.

On days like these – and we all have them – it is particularly ‘easy’ to remember the darkness over the light. In fact, out of our 60,000 daily thoughts, we tend to cling to the 80% that are negative. Honestly, I have always been one of those ‘annoyingly positive’ people who sees the silver lining in every situation and the potential in all people so I’m not sure if I really do cling to the negative as a rule but I certainly have not always been so aware of my thoughts and the effect they have on my day.

One of the nightly rituals I created with my children when I was first divorced was to ask, when I tucked them in to bed, “What was your favorite part of today?” I’d listen then as they recounted one or ten stories about something good that happened. It is a nice way to connect, especially after a busy day and MORE especially, if the evening hadn’t been picture-perfect. Years later, the ritual continues and it has become part of my daily self-care.

When I go to bed at night, I have a habit of reviewing the day and clinging to the positive. I think of all the things for which I am grateful. On days like today, it seems challenging at first, but here goes:

1. Someone said “I love you” to me
2. I enjoyed a perfect chai tea latte
3. I received a compliment about my work
4. I had 93 fans join my brand new facebook fan page in 24 hours
5. I was hugged tightly - twice
6. I received a cheque in the mail
7. I looked down on the beautiful city of St. John’s from Signal Hill as the fog rolled in
8. I exercised, and felt really good about that choice
9. I shared a laugh with a stranger
10. I had my first-ever blog comment!!
11. My driveway was clear of snow
12. My cat, Cornflake, was particularly cuddly
13. I shared a special moment with my mom

What is on your gratitude list? I encourage you to end your day by reviewing all the things that happened for which you are grateful. It will make a difference in your life and in the lives of everyone you touch. By living in a state of gratitude, you will shift your level of consciousness from that of ‘lack’ to that of abundance… you’ll be amazed at what will show up!

My list above is just a drop in the bucket… and I know I could go on and on. I am grateful for health, family, friends, work, and this very day because of the Lesson Learned.

For more on me, check out my website: http://embracingpotential.com