Grateful for Who I can BE

I suppose I should be grateful to begin my day so early. I was awake a little after 1:00 and read for a few hours. While I did finish my book, I never fell back asleep. My brain is humming with all that causes anxiety and stress. I know that if this is what I concentrate on that it will keep appearing. That is how this whole gratitude list manifested, if I could just alter my conscious to focus on the positive, the fear would dissipate.

Let me explain how this works. It's not as if a magic curtain shields my thoughts from forming negative feelings because I can think of ten reasons to be appreciative. Instead, the energy that is created by allowing myself these visions of awareness allows me to manifest the enthusiasm to create a different outcome. I'm writing this to you because I need to hear it as well.

I have the power, the wisdom, and the ability to alter my circumstances. I know that if I concentrate on all that I can achieve, I will take the steps in producing success. What we all need to review within ourselves is what we are doing that gets in our way. Is it procrastination, disorganization, missed action steps, a plan, support from others, or just the feeling of being so overwhelmed we can't take the first step and then another?

With that in mind, this is what I am grateful for today:

I am grateful that I know how to manage my time. Of course, knowing and doing aren't necessarily the same thing. It takes discipline and practice, doesn't it? Sometimes we have to say no when something more exciting comes along. I will focus on this more and create a schedule that I can work within.

I am grateful to be creative. This means I can come up with numerous solutions and brainstorm ideas into plan a, b, and c. I will stay conscious so that even obscure thoughts might lead to eventual opportunity.

I am grateful for the gift of gab. This allows me to speak randomly to strangers and create thought provoking conversations. I can usually turn even the most dour of grimaces into a grin. I will focus on that gift as I once again became more active in the sales ritual.

I am grateful for the knowledge that I have. I have spent my working years in finance and even though my own picture appears a bit dim, I know what my options are. I have a plan and will carry it out.

I am grateful for the feedback and wisdom of others. I'm at an age that allows more listening without having to interrupt with "Yes, buts and I don't knows". I will seek the advice of those who have weathered a similar storm.

I am grateful to be held accountable. I take my commitments seriously which propels me into action. I will shout from the rooftop all that I want to achieve so that I can be reminded with the resounding echo.

I am grateful for taking leadership roles. I have a deeper understanding when placing myself at the front of the class with chalk in hand. I become my example. I will step up and into my words.

I am grateful for being determined. Even though I might want to ignore what is painful and bury my head under the covers, I know what steps need to be taken. I will remind myself that I like to walk toward my goals.

I am grateful to have the ability to share my journey with others. Maybe I can inspire you to remember what you are grateful for. I will encourage you every day.

Please share your comments. Being grateful doesn't have to include the number of adjectives that I use or even the same format. Remember, it can start with breathing. Without oxygen, we're dead, there's no other alternative...

Who I am grateful for BEING

Today promises to be a perfect Southern California day. Clear blue skies with temps in the 70's. Typical shorts and flip flop weather. I know those of you that are looking at gray skies, snow and sleet are wishing you could have a piece of that perfection. Isn't it always what we don't have that makes us reach for what we desire? What is it in your life that you are reaching for? What small piece of perfection can you be happy with just as it is?

I got a bit of coaching myself yesterday suggesting that I also look at gratitude from a place of who I am. Eiji wrote, "You may want to be grateful for things you do and who you are instead of what you have. BE-DO-HAVE Have is just a byproduct of what we do, and what we do is a byproduct of who we are. The haves are the fruits and the be is the roots. Being grateful for the roots will produce great fruit. I am grateful for you being courageous and transparent on your current journey".

Here is who I am Grateful for Being today:

I am grateful for the lessons of my childhood that allow me to reach out to others. I try and give the homeless cash when I can. Sometimes it has only been the coins I keep in my ashtray, but they are grateful none the less.

I am grateful for being sensitive as it breeds kindness and understanding. I have experienced a lot of lessons that have given me great joy and crushing heartache. This allows me to empathize with others in an honest and compassionate way.

I am grateful for the sarcastic wit that I possess and can laugh in the absurdity of rule bound reason. Like the late charge on a credit card that was to be reversed and wasn't. If I hadn't caught this today they would have reported a 30 day late. One has to see the humor in that and realize it's not the fault of the poor soul who got my call. It's the system.

I am grateful to be able to stand before a large audience and speak to them on any number of topics. I have always been known as the "Presentation Queen" and enjoy the camaraderie of a group environment. Motivating while teaching is my passion.

I am grateful to be strong and independent. I have also grown wise enough to know that I don't have to get the last word in or take credit for something I've orchestrated.

I am grateful to be part of your day. The responses I receive encourage me and keep my eyes open for all that fulfills me.

I am grateful to be 50. Seriously, I am. It's a great age. I am listened to and considered wise. I still have a youthful appearance and physique. I am healthier than ever. I have come into my own as the saying goes.

I am grateful for the willpower that I know I possess. That doesn't mean that I didn't eat so many chocolate chip cookies (thank you, Sarra) that I got a headache and a sugar buzz. I have the power to create intention. I know what is passing through my lips and what will be required to offset the calories. It's all about conscious choice.

I am grateful for being loved and supported. This has been more apparent during the last two years as my friends and family have circled around to offer me hope and generosity.

I am grateful for having the ability to write in a manner that engages others and offers a little humor as well as inspiration. May your day be blessed as you move through it.

Please share what you are grateful for and who you are grateful for being! Thank you Eiji for your feedback!

Remember that our soldiers need to know that we're grateful for their presence. Please write to one today. An anonymous soldier can be found at www.anysoldier.com

Coach Be