In a few weeks, we in the United States will be celebrating Thanksgiving. Are you thankful? Or do you find yourself constantly disappointed with life? Could it possibly be that the problem is not your life but rather your perspective? This month, I invite you to take some time and reflect on the gifts that are already in your life. A few years ago, Sarah Ban Breathnach wrote a book entitled Simple Abundance and suggested that each night the reader write 3 things that they are grateful for. What would happen if you ended your day in this way? Would you take some time and do this exercise with me?
As I reflected on my own life, I am grateful for the following:
My body – As a middle age woman, I have the normal aches and pains that accompany my stage of life but on the whole, I am fairly healthy and my body is in good shape. This summer, I became more grateful for my health after I had surgery in May and spent most of the summer in rehab, slowly recuperating. Activities that were part of my daily life had become non-existent or arduous. But six months later, I have resumed my normal physical activities and I am grateful for that fact that my body co-operates with my desire to be active. What is one thing about your wonderful body that has taken you through your life that you are grateful for?
My friends –I have sought out, cultivated and surrounded myself with positive, caring, good people and spend as much time with these type people as possible. This summer, I was in need of a “fun” buddy – someone who had the time and inclination to go on “adventures” with me. I sent my plea to the Universe and a woman appeared. Who do you need in your life? Can you ask God to send that person to you?
My Country- I am grateful for the bounty and freedom I inherently have because I live in America. I am grateful for the beauty that I experience because I live in New England. I am grateful for the town that I live in. While it is sophisticated, within a one mile radius I have three local farm stands where I buy the local produce. What do you have in your neighborhood? Perhaps you live in the city that is rich in ethnic diversity and can walk everywhere? Maybe you live in the mountains or near a body of water? Take a moment, look around you, what does your environment offer you?
I hope that my reflections have stimulated your own thought process. We all have been given many gifts. The challenge is to be aware of them. You may have an 8 ounce glass that has 4 ounces of water in it. You can see it as half empty or half full. Either perspective is equally true. I invite you to change your perspective this month and see your life as full. As you start recognizing all the gifts that exist in your life, you will notice that they multiply. Happy Thanksgiving.
Blog Question:
What are you grateful for?
What is one thing in your life that you overlook and wish to be thankful for?
“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” — William Arthur Ward
JoAnne Ceccarelli-Egan LCSW is a sought after and experienced lecturer, who believes in the connection of emotional health to body, mind and spirit. She has integrated clinical counseling with holistic techniques and has formalized her knowledge by creating the Journey Back to Self program. For more information click on: www.TryaNewPerspective.com