Yesterday I caught myself in a space of worry. I am not a natural worrier, as many are, and for that I am very grateful. Although I am human and on occasion worry takes over my very being. This is the space I found myself in yesterday morning before the light of day.
I was sitting in my hot tub looking up at the multiple stars in the sky…soaking away my aches and pains when I realized I was in a huge state of worry. Once I noticed it…I stopped the incessant worry tape that was running in my head…I took a nice deep breath and wondered what I could do to change how I was feeling? Let’s face it, hot tub, clear sky, bright stars what could be more stress busting than that?
Then all at once I remembered gratitude. In that moment I recalled hearing that if you have a roof over your head, food on your table and clothes on your back you are better off than 95% of the world’s population. Wow, that was a perspective shift right between the eyes, but I was not done yet.
I listed everything I was grateful for in various areas of my life. Some of the areas I brought to mind were my family, friends, living environment, work, animal friends, spirituality, and new learning opportunities. No sooner than bringing these things to mind did my subconscious shift gears and I was remembering fun times playing with the grand kids or great horseback rides through the woods. My heart burst open with love for my life. It is just an ordinary life that is so wonderful because I choose it to be when I live in gratitude.
The rest of my day turned out to be awesome. I didn’t do anything special. I went about my daily work, but somehow everything took on a new light…ordinary things were more joyful. The people I encountered during the day seemed happier than usual. Reflecting on this I realized they were reacting to my good mood. All because I put myself into a state of gratitude, they also had a better day.
It is your turn to spread the gratitude joy! Be extra grateful today for all you have, even if your life is ordinary like mine…you can always find something to be truly grateful for. Remember to look in the different areas of your life. Most likely none of the areas will feel perfect, but I bet you can find something about each area that you are grateful for.
Choose gratitude each day and watch your life expand in ways you never thought were possible.
By Judith Geiger
