It’s a beautiful day here in Southern Utah. I am so grateful for this new season of thanks. My mind is turned to family and friends and I love this opportunity to be reminded of how blessed I am…aren’t you? Everywhere I look, I feel richly blessed for people, things, places, and experiences. Many years ago I experienced a devastating trial in my life. Showing gratitude for the simplest things around me was almost impossible, however, as I continued to look for and express gratitude for many simple things, my life experienced a powerful change. And miracles happened in my relationships!
When I say relationships, naturally we think of our closest friends and family members, and we should. But, what about the others things we have relationships with? For example, I have a relationship with my bed. Strange thought? Every night it keeps me warm and gives me something soft to sleep comfortably on. I am grateful for my bed! But how is this a relationship? Well, my bed is only comfortable and warm when I take good care of it. I often wash the sheets, fluff the pillows, keep it safe from jumping children (most of the time), etc. It takes care of me like I take care of it. It is a relationship. We have relationships with everything we have; our home, our vehicles, our clothes, our favorite things, etc. Take a minute and express gratitude for your relationship with a thing.
A couple relationships uncommonly thought of are our relationships with time and money. For the past five years, I have been working on my relationship with these two intangible things. Sadly, there was a time when I did not get along well with either one of these things. Life was hard, full of fear and resentment, and I was depressed. As I changed my thoughts and attitude about time and money, my relationship with them changed and I started to be more grateful for both. I have discovered many new things. For example, when I appreciate money and give thanks for what it helps me do in life (buy food, purchase luxuries like heat, and running water, and provides opportunities to have fun experiences with my family) money appreciates me, by continuing to show up for the things I need and want.
Likewise, as I appreciate the time I have working, being with my family, enjoying a quiet moment, etc. time continues to show up for me and I find myself having the time I need and enjoying it. As I have given thanks for these things, my life is much more joyful, rich in time, and abundant. I smile a lot, am at peace, and am excited for the continued blessings it brings me. How is your relationship with time and money? Could you show more appreciation?
Naturally, I find my greatest joys with my close personal relationships at home; my husband and five children. I work on these relationships every day! Sometimes it’s easy and sometimes it’s rough, but every moment is worth the peace in our home and the knowledge that ‘no matter what, we can work things out.’ Showing gratitude for the joy, help, and love they bring into your life (especially when you are feeling quite the opposite) will change you.
As you change, the energy around you changes and those around you adapt (usually in a good way, because you are sending out good vibes). Gratitude is the miracle worker in my family; it calms tantrums, quiets tension, lifts sadness or madness, and brings unity, love, and peace back quickly. Experience it for yourself by experimenting (that’s what I did). When you feel upset, breath, and think of something grateful you can say instead-see what happens. It’s a fun game! Miracles will happen!
If you would like to join us, I am hosting a seven-day #gratefulforu challenge on my Facebook group @ShineYourLight, and on my Instagram page @sharinashack. This challenge starts Monday, November 12th, and is going to celebrate the relationships we have with people. It will be a golden opportunity to practice gratitude in relationships we don’t always think about.
It will be simple and easy to do (less than 5 minutes a day), and it only lasts seven days (so you can get back to all your holiday activities). I will be giving daily prompts with ideas to get you started quickly. As you take less than five minutes to express gratitude for these people each day, you will be amazed at how this new attitude creates miracles around you. Share your thoughts, experiences, and gold nuggets on my Facebook group @ShineYourLight and don’t forget to use the hashtag #gratefulforu on your posts (head over there right now and join).
As we go into this “season of thanks,” I hope you think differently about the things, people, and circumstances in your life. Gratitude is one of the most powerful and high vibrations on this planet and using it often, creates miracles. Instead of just making ‘a gratitude list,’ spend some time thinking about ONE thing, person, or circumstance you are grateful for, and WHY, each day! Express deep gratitude for it. It will set ablaze a powerful fire of gratitude inside of you and miracles will happen all around you!
Love and light,
Facebook page @artoflivingjoyfully
Facebook group @shineyourlight
Instagram @sharinashack