Gratitude?

This may be one of the most over used and over simplified words.  Printed on napkins in November and embroidered on guest towels, “gratitude” is not taken seriously enough, in my opinion.

Pure gratitude can be a beautiful, overwhelming feeling of love, joy and bliss.  A scent, a song, nostalgia that reminds you of precious good times of your youth.  A child, a pet that drops an arm or a paw into your lap reminding you that you are loved, adored and needed.  Whatever form it takes, it’s the magic that can pop up and save you from a complete breakdown, or just a stressful day.  Gratitude reminds us of the beauty we may be missing… but you don’t have to sit around and hope it happens, as with ALL healing powers you can make it happen.

As always, start small!  Even just the act of writing down 3 things you are grateful for every night, can be life changing.  You are actually programing your brain to look for the positive things, subconsciously.  We do things, daily, habits that we have been programming since birth.  Do you find your mind wandering when you are brushing your teeth, driving home, taking a shower…your mind is rarely on what you are doing, right?  

That’s because you’ve done all those things so many times, your brain goes on auto pilot for you.  Which can be handy, until it starts developing habits that aren’t pleasant to us.  Depression or anxiety, jealous thoughts, things we start to do over and over become a well worn path through a beautiful garden.  It may not be the best route to take but you’ve walked it so many times, it’s worn and looks like the obvious choice. 

Well, I do believe it's time to go off road.