An Attitude of Gratitude

It’s December and one of my favorite times of the year. This year, like most, has had its fair share of highs, lows, joys, sorrows, chills and thrills. November has been both a particularly challenging and exciting month in my life and business. On the down side: two family members passed on, two family members had accidents – one quite serious, one miscarriage and a couple of operations. I was struggling to make business deadlines because I was not as productive as I would have liked to be. On the up side: I have been doing very exciting product development for CoachingMinds and some very interesting business opportunities and ideas emerged. So you see, it’s been an emotional, exciting, frustrating and exhilarating month – all at the same time. And I was thinking that maybe life was compacting my personal ups and downs into one very short space of 30 days to prepare me for something………..

And then early this morning, as I was sitting outside, meditating and breathing in the fresh air, my heart just filled with gratitude — for my family, friends, a profession that allows me the time and resources to enjoy them…and of course all our clients, contacts, and colleagues.

Gratitude is like a cleansing agent for the soul. It moves us away from what we don’t have, to what we do have. The glass stops being half empty and is now half full. Gratitude takes the focus away from self and personal needs. Instead we look at what we have been given; we celebrate the goodness of others. Rather than living a life filled with stress, anxiety, and striving. Gratitude gently teaches us the truth that all life is a gift to be received and enjoyed.

So today, in this short newsletter, I want to encourage you to take a look at your life and appreciate all the things that is right. For just a short while, forget about all your problems – personal and professional challenges – and just focus on the many blessings and successes that you have already received and experienced.

I want to encourage you to make a list of 50 things that you love about life and that you are grateful for. Things like a loving and supportive spouse, beautiful healthy children, supportive family, a walk on the beach etc.

Just for one day, don’t set new goals, make new plans to achieve or to improve. Just for one day allow yourself some time to appreciate and enjoy what you have right now. For me, it’s always been a simple yet amazingly effective way to gain new clarity, passion and focus for the work that I do and the challenges that I need to face.

Wishing you all a blessed and happy festive season.

With love and warm wishes,

Marja

Until next time…

Empower your Mind. Inspire your Soul!