Finding Gratitude
This week I have the unbelievable good fortune to, once again, be spending a week on Martha’s Vineyard. We have a timeshare in Edgartown. When I tell people this, I almost immediately feel the need to explain that it’s just a small hotel-like room with a bathroom. I do this by way of an apology…because I feel guilty, or feel that people will think that I’m bragging. This morning, it dawned on me that, by doing this, I am actually maintaining an attitude of ungratefulness, when, in fact, I am incredibly grateful that I get to come here every year for a week. I LOVE it here, I love the air, the ocean, the trees, the boats, the alpacas, the people, everything!
This got me thinking about what my goals & dreams are for myself and how, if I can’t embrace a week on Martha’s Vineyard, am I ever going to explain my future house on the beach? If I can’t be truly grateful for this timeshare, will I be able to manifest my dream beach-house?
Yes, I said manifest…I know, now I’m getting into woo-woo territory but hear me out…I truly believe that in order to be open to receiving good things in our lives, we have to live in a positive, grateful way. We have to embrace happiness and be open to the possibilities that surround us. If we walk through the world with a negative mindset, we can miss the good things, we think “that’s too good to be true”, or “good things never happen to me” and, in doing so, dismiss real opportunities. One of my clients recently had a shift in mindset from one of hopelessness to one of hope. She’s looking at things in a more positive way and it’s having a real and material effect on her life.
She got a new job
Is finding places of beauty in her neighborhood where before she only saw neglect
After wishing for a kayak, received one as a surprise gift that day.
Her shift in outlook created these positive changes in her life!
I decided that yesterday was the last time I “apologize” for my fabulous week on the Vineyard. I deserve it!
So, my challenge to you this week is to find gratitude. I guarantee you have things to be grateful for, you just may not see them that way…yet! Here is an article on the science behind gratitude. It has some great ideas on how to find gratitude and keep it fresh,
xo
Ciara