Gratitude

Gratitude. To give thanks. To see something/someone and share appreciation for it/them. Shift our perspective, from scarcity to love and abundance. To see the world, our situation or the day with a sense of understanding. An understanding that it’s always ok. When things are roaring with positivity, it’s all ok. When you are in the depths of despair and world seems like its crashing down, it’s still ok. When you feel challenged by life and unsure what to do... still ok. Remember that you woke up today. Most likely you got out of bed too. You are breathing. You are alive. That is a gift. And often not until we are faced with the idea of death or something being taken away that we truly realize, we ARE alive! Each and every day, we are here on this planet with the opportunity to be our best selves. To live our best lives. Not everyone will wake up to this. And maybe ignorance is bliss. Some will get a glimpse of this idea and choose to  remain in the confines of their comfort zone. And if that makes you happy and residing there is acceptable, then that’s ok too. For those of you who have seen the light, and want more for yourself but CHOOSE not to grow... may you find the courage within to embrace who you are. To push yourself, to grow to seek more. And when you awaken and take those first few steps, and we feel inspired and excited, have gratitude that you took the chance to learn more. And when you face that first challenge and things are confusing and difficult... have gratitude that you’ve come to a point a resistance. Resistance means you are about to have a breakthrough into the next plane. But the only way to get to that next place is by going through it. The longer you wait, or try to go around it, the longer you prolong your growth and potential. And when you get stuck and you’re not sure what to do and it all feels heavy... say thank you. Thank you for showing me that I’m in a new, uncharted area. Thank you for the opportunity to dig deep and see what’s really going on. Thank you for the self analysis that will help us look at WHY we at this point of contention. Everything is about perception. One person can look at a life and think, wow, I wish I could live that way. Not knowing what happens for that person behind closed doors. There is much to be said about the phrase, “the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence”. How about, “that grass looks green, I wonder how they take care of it?” And go ask.... or, “that grass is beautiful but I like mine too.But they've inspired me to take better care of my own.” And my personal favorite, “my weeds are green and I am grateful that they are thriving. They have different colors, shapes and textures and keep my soil from washing away. The clover grows happily and provides nectar for the bees. It feels soft under my feet and tickles my toes when it’s over grown. Gosh, their perfect lawn looks beautiful, but it's just different from mine. And there is a charm in my quirky pad of weeds that warms my heart.” Gratitude. Take a moment and look at your life. Your situation. Can you look past the immediate circumstance and see how fortunate and blessed you are to be alive? Today, I am grateful to be HERE. To breathe. To have taken a walk in the early morning hours before the neighbor rises. For my 2 beautiful kitties that fill my heart with love. For my friends and family that support me. Whether we talk everyday or once a year. For my home that shelters me from the rain and give me a place to feel safe and recover. For my homemade granola and berries that not only taste good, but give my nutrients to be healthy and allows me to be creative in the kitchen. For the rain that feeds my garden. For the situations I’m experiencing right now that are pushing me to dig deep into my ego and inner being and reflect on what my next move is. And finally, I’m thankful that I can share my story. We are never alone. We are loved. We are valued and we are worthy. Give thanks....