#grateful #blessed – are you feeling it?
Surely two of the most common-used “hashtags” on the social media circuit today are #grateful and #blessed.
Perhaps bordering on saturation point, right? Or is it just me feeling this way?
The thing is, despite all the YouTube videos I’ve watched, the Instagram posts I read and the tv interviews I’ve witnessed, I’ve never really heeded the advice of those who promote the real powers of practicing “gratitude” – perhaps because at times, I’ve found it a little disingenuous – or perhaps I was just immune?
Actually, I think I was just downright lazy. But I don’t have a vision board either…is that bad?
Believe me, I am beyond grateful for my beautiful life, my incredible experiences, every new day I am alive and the selfless acts of kindness I see around me every day, but it was only recently, while watching yet another YouTube vlog (I have a mild addiction), that the penny really dropped in the vast deep ocean of my brain!
Practicing gratitude really can help improve psychological health, because now, I think I finally get it. Yep, I’m a bit slow – I’ll admit.
Perhaps what turned me off initially, was the concept of the “gratitude diary” – I mean, do the innocent people who lost their loved ones to acts of terror or lost limbs to unavoidable disease – do they write in a gratitude diary? I am sure at times they think – why the holy-feck did this happen to me?? But strangely, they are often the ones most at peace. It’s a bit like those who have less, are generally the happiest. This has always fascinated me.
So, watching all these virtuous vloggers write in their journals whilst sipping a green smoothie – packed with protein powder, spinach and chia seeds - before hitting the gym – all before breakfast – it all just made me feel a little… off.
It’s admirable for sure, but for some reason, I wanted to resist.
However ---- in a moment of feeling sorry for myself, when really, I had everything in the world to sing about ---- I had the all-important “aha” moment.
A very sweet American vlogger caught my attention. She spoke my language. And her language was this…
“I don’t bother with the whole gratitude diary thing. I am not sure if I am doing things the right way, but every morning or night – whatever works, I just list-off (in my mind) five things I was grateful for today. They are usually just little things - but I can honestly tell you, it has made such a difference to my mental health and how I approach each day.”
Boom.
So – that’s what I did.
For the past week, in my mind, as I wake, I reel-off (with intention) five things I am grateful for. If I am not looking forward to a particular event or if I feel crappy, I still try to focus on the gratitude.
Here’s a snapshot of what I hash-tagged in my head this week:
I am #grateful for my very comfortable sofa which I enjoy daily. I am lucky to have such a nice spot to chill every day.
I am #grateful for my curious mind. It brings heightened experiences that feed me on so many levels.
I am #grateful for plucking up the courage to make conversation with the very cute barista at my local café today. He is an acting graduate and I really enjoyed hearing about his exciting future. I am #grateful for the value he added to my day
I am #grateful for my working kitchen that provides the framework for cooking nourishing food every day
I am #grateful for my family who seriously love me more than I could ever imagine
I am #grateful for the scent of jasmine flowers I smelt this morning
I am #grateful for the thoughtful gift of a six-pack of loo-rolls from my house-guest today!
I am #grateful for the beautiful roof over my head. My home brings me so much joy and comfort
I am #grateful for the ability to move my body. I never want to take you for granted body
I am #grateful for my eyes and my ability taste. I am not sure what I would do without either of you?
I am #grateful for the birds that sang in beautiful harmony this morning
I am #grateful for the delicious vodka, lime and soda I made last night. I thoroughly enjoyed it
I am #grateful for the people over the road who look out for me
I am #grateful for the Pilates advice I received from a kind mentor today, even though I knew he was exceptionally busy
I am #grateful for the beautiful (hand-blended) chai I had this morning (and every other morning!). I look forward to it every day
I am #grateful my fingers can type and fix things
I am #grateful for having choices and freedom
I am #grateful for the yummy lunch I made today
I am #grateful for my failures. They have shaped me into the rounded person I am today
I am #grateful for my hot shower and clean water. I am so lucky to have such luxuries
I am #grateful for my headache. It is telling me to take better care of myself
I am #grateful for my clothes which are clean and protect me
I am #grateful for my little car, which has remained faithfully loyal and taken me to places here-there-and-everywhere, for almost two decades
I am #grateful for seeing the bright blue ocean today
I am #grateful for my plants that give me joy
I am #grateful for the 80th birthday experience I had with some beautiful people last week
I am #grateful for my air-conditioner – it’s mighty hot and sweaty here!
I am #grateful for the lovely compliment a complete stranger sent me yesterday. Thank you!
I am #grateful for my safe and friendly neighbourhood
I am #grateful I can dream
I am #grateful for Western science
I am #grateful for ancient wisdom
I am #grateful for the special friend who came here to teach me. I will thank you for it one day.
Has it made a difference? The short answer. Yes. But I’ll admit, it does take a little discipline. And it won’t always work every time, especially if we are upset, down-right bummed-out or single-mindedly distracted.
For me personally, it simply puts life into perspective and into the present moment. It removes “sweating the small stuff” and it can be blissfully grounding.
I think we could all benefit from practicing a little gratitude from time-to-time.
But make sure you mean it. Give it the attention it really deserves and then see where the day takes you.
Practice makes perfect.
Namaste!