Be Grateful.

‘Take life day by day and be grateful for the little things. Don’t spend time stressing over what you can’t control, instead focus on changing the things you can.’

How many times has someone told you to “Be grateful for what you have” when you have been moaning about losing out on that job promotion or not being able to afford that house with the fabulous garden? They mean well. They want to help you to feel better about yourself, stop you beating yourself up, but it’s really quite annoying isn’t it?!

We have all been there, and when you are feeling depressed and feeling like the world is against you, it is incredibly difficult to stop, take a step back and consider what you should be grateful for. However, if you can just take a break, maybe grab a piece of paper and list those things you feel gratitude for, it will help you feel better.

Idea for today: List 5 things you are grateful for.

Yes, it is that simple and all our lists will have slight differences, but it is amazing how we all value the same things in the end. Health, Happiness, Family and Friends, a Meaningful Life.

Now think about these elements in detail. Are there some areas which you feel are strengths for you? Are there some which need a little push?

I know my areas of strength are my family, friends and a meaningful life. I feel blessed that I have 3 healthy, happy, successful and independent children. I have a good group of friends who support me in times of difficulty. I believe I am living a meaningful life and making a difference to other people, both in my personal and professional life and I am proud of these strengths.

I also equally know that my main area of weakness is exercise. I often tell myself that I will start a new routine. Perhaps go for a walk every day or join a yoga group. But I know that in reality I will put exercise onto the bottom of my priority list and then of course 'I can never find the time!’

I also know that if I continue to neglect this area of my life that I will regret it. I am growing older and becoming aware that I cannot run as fast as I used to, that running up the stairs results in heavier breathing than it used to and that I really need to do something about it. Thinking about the quote at the beginning of this blog…I cannot prevent getting older so I will not stress about this, but I can change the way I live to incorporate a regular exercise routine. I am grateful that I am a healthy person and exercising will help me stay that way.

To ensure that I keep to my goal I will keep you informed of my progress!

Take some time now to make that list. Focus on your strengths but also try not to shy away from those areas you know need working on. Think about what makes you grateful. It is often the small things, such as, enjoying a joke with a friend or watching a beautiful sunset. By noticing these things you will become more appreciative and in time happier. A great habit to get into is to begin a ‘Gratitude Journal’. I will discuss this in my next blog, but for today it is enough to begin to appreciate what is around you.

---

• Want to explore this further?

I love to watch the video as it has a focus of gratitude and beautiful photography.

https://www.ted.com/talks/louie_schwartzberg_nature_beauty_gratitude?utm_source=tedcomshare&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=tedspread

• Take Action

If you want to work with me to explore your feelings of gratitude contact me on isabel@norfolklifecoach.co.uk

Or visit my website https://www.norfolklifecoach.co.uk