✨ When you feel like there is nothing going well for you in life, a quick objective reflection of your surroundings, followed by the exercises below can be transformative✨.
Someone I am working with lost everything he had in a fire several months ago. His home, all belongings, vehicle, workshop, materials, equipment, paperwork, electronics - everything. There was no insurance. His health suffered - both mental and physical. His relationships suffered. He felt that there was nothing left…
But he was alive.
Today, his small business is slowly blooming, he is making new connections and building stronger relationships. He is motivated to take better care of his health. He feels happier.
How did he get here from there?
By expressing gratitude for what he had. His life. His mobility. His skills. The use of his hands. The more he expressed gratitude, the more things he found he was grateful for every single day.
Can’t hurt to try, can it?
1️⃣ The Gratitude Shift Exercise:
➡️Find a quiet spot where you won’t be disturbed for 3 minutes.
➡️Take three deep, grounding breaths 🌬️.
➡️Recall one small, positive thing from today (like that perfect cup of coffee ☕ or a warm shower 🚿).
➡️Let this spark of gratitude fill you, even just for a moment, with the joy that you experienced when it happened.
This simple practice shifts your focus from scarcity to abundance, highlighting the pockets of joy in your life.
2️⃣ Uplifting Thought Exercise:
When the weight of the world feels unbearable, gently guide your thoughts towards pleasant possibilities:
"Wouldn't it be nice if my drive to work was smooth today? 🚗💨"
"Wouldn't it be nice if my efforts were recognized? 🏅"
"Wouldn't it be nice if I received help today? 🤝"
💭These thoughts invite a shift in energy, opening you up to positive experiences without demanding or expecting any drastic changes (which also leaves less room for disappointment).
Remember, navigating through darkness is the journey toward a brighter dawn 🌤️. Just know that you don’t have to go through it alone.