It’s the beginning of the holiday season, and for many people, it is often a mixed bag of emotions. It is a time when we are keenly aware of our relationships with family and friends.It is also a time when ‘high octane’ stress kicks in as we scramble about in preparation for the holidays.
What’s more, we are living in what appears to be very scary times, and the result is that more people are experiencing feelings of distress and worry. “How can I possibly be happy when (you fill in the blank) is happening?” You might ask. I know (first hand) it’s tough when bad things happen and let’s be clear, it is quite normal to go through a grieving process if that is the case. Beyond that, consider this; How many hours of worry, fretting or stress does it take to change a situation? The answer, of course, is zero.
There are as many ways to deal with stress and worry. There are ways to raise your happiness level as there are cures for the common cold. But one concept, one virtue which seems to outshine them all is ~ Gratitude.
It is one of the most powerful and important steps in my Living Miraculously program, a step that I like to call “Wild Gratitude.” Wild Gratitude is unrestrained, uninhibited deep reverence for the things in our life that we so often take for granted. It is much more than appreciation. Look around you at the natural miracles that abound in your life: the bright blue sky, the luminous stars, the flourishing plants, the sturdy trees, the vast ocean and breathtaking mountains.
You think this is just another day in your life? It’s not. It is a gift that has been given to you, and it deserves the reference of gratitude. Respond to the uniqueness of this day as if it is the first or last day of your life. And know this day will never come again.
Wild Gratitude urges you to open your heart, sending love to the people in your life that you treasure and to those you have never met. Wild Gratitude calls you to bring joy into your life and to be grateful for all things all the time. What does it look like to “be grateful for all things, all the time?”
You’re grateful your friend didn’t die. If they do die you’re grateful that you knew them. You’re grateful for what has happened. And you’re grateful for what hasn’t happened.
Do you want to practice Wild Gratitude? Get out pen and paper.
List everything that’s happening in your life now and all the people that you have a connection to on one side of the paper. On the other side write at least one thing that you are grateful for (even any challenges) as a result of this experience or person.
Yes, you can start with the easy ones. But, you gotta do the tough ones too! (They’re the most enlightening!) Keep at it, even if it takes days and you’ll figure out how to “flip the switch” on your challenges.
If you make Wild Gratitude a practice it will change your life, I promise!
Wishing you a beautiful and grateful Holiday Season!
Live Miraculously!
With Wild Gratitude,
Michele
Photo Credit: donnierayjones Flickr via Compfight cc
Michele, that’s a wonderful piece and yes, I agree, gratitude is the key to happiness, and we always have much for which to be grateful, even in the darkest days. Thank you for this.
xo