It seems sometimes that no matter how much we try to focus on being positive and living a life of gratitude all it takes is one annoying slow driver when you’re in a rush or some minor hiccup in the day for any iota of positivity to disappear. Or maybe that is just me! 🙂
Our brains seem determined to mull over, replay and get frustrated with the ‘bad, blah’ bits of our day, no matter how insignificant, rather than focus on all the fantastic things that are around us. Maybe it is a survival thing or maybe it is that we are so accustomed to all our ‘pleasures’ and ‘freedoms’ that we are beginning to take them for granted.
Yet when we take even a minute to focus on all the good things that are happening to us or around us it never fails to lift our moods and our health. Yes, being positive and giving thanks actually improve your health and help you to live longer!
I am so grateful for a clear, crisp day; for my ability to climb up my kids ‘adventure’ trails; for my kids; for an obedient dog; for a camera to record the memory and much more.
Just like one shower will never keep you clean for very long the practise of gratitude needs to be a regular thing though. The practise of gratitude needs to be something that we make a point to do because without it our lives don’t feel quite as good.
Even in times when the world feels like it is falling in around you there is always something positive that you can be grateful for. The fact that you are alive, that the sun is shining, that you have unlimited access to the Internet, that you live in a culture that allows you personal freedoms could all be reasons to be grateful.
Give it a go with this little exercise that I have modified from Christiane Northrup, M.D’s book.
-First think of something you can ‘brag’ about, something you are proud of. It could be a recent or distant achievement.
– Second identify something you are thankful for or appreciate having. What do you have in your life that others don’t and wish they did?
– Lastly think of a time when you were happy, truely happy, and let that bring a smile to your face as you move into your day.
It is an effort, I know, to halt the wheels of negativity however it is an effort worth making each day. Taking time to remember all the things we have in our lives that are great and wonderful will only benefit you and the people around you.
Hope this finds you counting your blessings already.
Arohanui
Y
Becoming Healthy 