I had a great day yesterday. I didn't win the lottery or anything like that, but just felt right with the world. Took a long walk through the valley and enjoyed the freshness after it rains. Watched the exuberance that Gracie, our springy 9 month old mutt, displays when she leaps off the porch steps and runs in large circles around the yard. What wild abandon she demonstrates in her glee.
When taking my shower, I placed my right foot over my left knee to wash my toes and felt a sickening shift in my lower back. Had a muscle spasm and tried to stretch it out under the hot stream of a pulsating shower head. I have to share with you my thought process, because I didn't start freaking out, which would have been the normal reaction to such untimely pain. Instead, I kept taking deep breaths and sucking my belly in toward my back to support the area that felt like it had fallen.
I concentrated on the great walk I had just taken without pain. I looked forward to a visit with a friend and errands to run. In other words, my brain was taking over with what I was grateful for and not the pain and what limitations might bind me. So, I kept going. Now I have had my back go out like this before a few years ago. I think that time I did the athletic move of lifting my foot to the edge of the tub to shave. Oh yeah, I'm like an Olympic gold medalist in the shower apparently...
The point is, after starting to recognize what I am grateful for and by sharing it, my brain is starting to create a pattern. You are helping me keep my commitment. Thank you so much for all of your comments, the stories of who you are sharing these with and the letters of appreciation that you are sending to soldiers.
I have created a blog so that we can share our feedback. I hope that if you feel you can't forward your list of gratitude by e-mail, please at least create it in the comment section of the blog. By physically transferring what you are grateful for from your head to word format will allow this recognition to start replacing negative thought patterns. Yes, you will still get pissed that a driver cut you off, but maybe you can also be thankful that you were aware of it in time to avoid an accident! Because there's not one of us, who hasn't done the same thing to someone else.
What I am grateful for today:
I am grateful for a healthy body. I am feeling better. I am reminded to walk straight and hold my stomach in. I am grateful for paying attention to my body and feeling my way around gentle stretches and avoiding the alarms when certain muscles contract.
I am grateful for friends who keep me accountable. There are several of you out there who inspire me, motivate me, encourage me and ask for nothing in return.
I am grateful for the income opportunities that are coming my way. Yesterday I heard about an underwriting position and the day before that working with a mortgage broker to further develop his business. I am also partnering up with other coaches to promote them and learn by stepping into their shoes.
I am grateful for the ability to pay my bills. I sat down this morning and paid everything but the mortgage. It feels so good to be responsible and putting a check mark in the box.
I am grateful to discover WinCo, a grocery store that is waaay cheaper than most. If you live in San Diego, they're in Temecula, so probably a bit of a drive. Don't know about the rest of the country, but if you can find one, try them. We're all looking for ways to save money and this employee owned, non-union company passes on their savings.
I am grateful for blue skies. I know this gets redundant and those of you that are waking up to snow blankets are probably frozen with green envy, but that just gives me more reason to be grateful. Living in Southern California has it's price, and I appreciate the trade off of only having to wear a sweatshirt because it's 54 degrees.
I am grateful for my husband's driving ability when his big old diesel Dodge blew a tire on the freeway yesterday with a heavy load. He had a spare and was able to limp home a little lopsided and take his pick of 3 tires he had behind his shop. He rushed down to the tire store to have the tire mounted to the wheel and was both incredulous and relieved that they performed this as a favor, for no fee. What a gift!
I am grateful for clean floors! Thank you, Sarra. What a nice reprieve to see white tile again after the muddy paw prints of dogs coming in from the rain.
I am grateful for Christmas cards. It is so nice to be remembered. I like the photos. I especially enjoy reading a letter that relives a whole year and gives me a peek into their lives.
I am grateful for memories. I have so many that I can recall that put a smile on my face. It's like opening a scrap book and reflecting back on all the times I have felt loved, appreciated, and important. There are times when I haven't lived up to the woman that I thought I should be. It's nice to look back with the wisdom of today and understand the lesson and what I could do differently now.
Thank you for reading these and sharing them if you are moved. Please share the reasons why you are grateful today!
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