Gratitude

Living in a world that tends to put technology at its center, it is almost expected to receive a bounty of giphys and texts throughout the day from friends near and far sending their blessings and love. Last year, I spent the month of November expressing gratitude for something different each day on social media. This made me really delve into what I am truly thankful for, yet I tend to take for granted. It helped me to express my gratitude for pain, suffering, scars, walking, breathing, a job, a roof over my head, sight, smell, the struggles, the miracles, friends, music, mourning, freedom (and those who fight/fought for it) and all those who have passed. It was a reminder to walk in gratitude every single day. I started training myself to say "thank you" when I woke in the morning. I even paused before eating contemplating my thanks for the food and drink I was about to consume. Then life got busy and stress replaced the good intentions. I fell into the doldrums and began spinning stories to keep the negativity alive. I allowed the negativity and complaining to become a way of life. Gratitude slipped back into the shadows, becoming something I should practice and what I try to practice (and we know what Yoda says about that). Thankfully, I have people around me who tend to say what I need to hear at just at the perfect time, even if I am resistant. What we most resist, persists, right? One friend of mine is good about reminding me that the glass is half full. If he can remain positive with all that is on his plate, certainly I can as well. Humans connecting and helping other humans. I'm not sure about the entire human journey, or why we are really here (or the point of it all), but I believe these connections and inspirations are imperative. So, I admit that I've become complacent and complain more than I am grateful. I've abandoned the word that was guiding me for two years, "Mahalo". Being human, I've strayed from this daily gratitude challenge.

Having reflected on all that, I realize that today is the perfect day to reconnected to the spirit of gratitude and extending it to all parts of my life that require healing. Today is the day to recommit to waking with "thank you" as the first words I speak. Today is the day to be mindful and thankful for all the things that this day will bring. Today is a day of forgiveness and accepting myself as I am. Today, I am thankful for where I've been, where I am presently and where I am headed. Today is a day to be thankful for all of those who have helped me get to where I am on this journey; even those who brought about pain and heartache. Today is a day for being thankful for life and having this day to be yet another chance to be a better animal (and maybe suck a little less).

I'll end with sharing my morning gratitude devotional or prayer: "Thank you for this day. Today is going to be a great. Thank you for all the people I will meet and interact with today. Thank your for all the lessons we all will bring. No matter the interactions, may I remain mindful and compassionate. May I be my best self in each moment. May all beings know true love, peace and happiness."

Thank U.