Let’s Talk Gratitude
The practice of Gratitude can create a shift in us that reminds us to focus on what we have and not what we think we might lack.
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I’ve used a Gratitude practice on and off over the years. I am pretty sure my first exposure to this idea came when in 1996 Oprah shared a new book by Sarah Ban Breathnach, titled Simple Abundance.* According to her website “Sarah was at the forefront of the movement recognizing Gratitude’s ability to bring healing, joy, authenticity, balance, and wholeness into our lives, and thus opened the door for scientists, spiritual leaders, and lifestyle experts to extoll its virtues.” I devoured that book as it was a tumultuous time in my life and I was looking for an anchor. It reminded me that sometimes it’s the simplest things that can bring us back to ourselves when we get lost in the rat race of chasing all the shoulds we are bombarded with on a daily basis. Finding joy in the warmth of sunlight on your cheek on a cold winter day. Stopping to marvel at the flutter or snowflakes as they dance down from the sky. The kindness of a stranger who takes the time to hold the door for you. All of these seemingly insignificant moments can easily be overlooked in the business of daily life. It takes effort to stay present, purposefully close the phone, put it away, and wonder at the world around you.
I’ve picked up and put down my gratitude practice over the years. I get busy and forget. I don’t prioritize the self-care rituals that keep me grounded. I struggle through something challenging and defiantly refuse to look for the good all around me. And then I get a little nudge, something small that I see or hear or read that reminds me of all the small miracles that are right in front of me, every minute of every day. I haven’t been practicing it lately. When life seems monotonous and each day bleeds into the next, it can be a stretch to find things to be grateful for without repeating.
I’m thankful my meds seem to be working.
I’m thankful my meds seem to be working.
I’m thankful my meds seem to be working.
See what I mean? Because I’ve been preoccupied with this appendix issue, my days have revolved around IV infusions and naps. When I do go out and run errands or enjoy some of the holiday festivities, it wipes me out and I forget to look for the nuggets of joy in the day. Maybe that is the challenge. To really be grateful for the most mundane of things in each day. It’s easy to be thankful for good health and a safe place to live and family and friends. Those are the blessings we talk about around the holiday table. Even those are easy to take for granted in the day-to-day until you find yourself in a health crisis, financial hardship, or a rift with a family member. Here then is my list for today, a most ordinary of days.
I’m thankful for the twinkly lights on our sweet little Christmas tree.
I’m thankful for a Donna Summer Peloton walk I could sing along with.
I’m thankful for melty sweet butter on toast.
I’m thankful for the undiscovered paths to walk in Central Park.
I’m thankful for the discordant screech from the violin I’m trying to learn to play.
What can you be grateful for today? Can you start with one small thing that makes you smile or brings you joy, especially in a season where there never seems to be enough time for anything other than go, do, bake, cook, wrap, and buy. Can you slow down long enough and be preset for a few minutes each day to be grateful? I believe it can change the way you move through the world.
