Second Day of Gratitude

I am grateful for my feet.  

Chipped toenail polish, calluses and all! Oh, the places they have taken me!!! Who needs two turtle doves when I’ve got dogs like these?

Twelve Days of Gratitude

Recently, I have had several clients ask about my secret to maintaining such a positive attitude when there are so many negative events happening around us. Well, are you ready? Here’s my secret…………………….drumroll please…………………..each evening before I fall asleep I bring to mind 10 things I am grateful for in my life. It takes me less than 30 seconds to do so and then the sandman takes over. Next, every morning, between the time my alarm goes off and my feet hit the floor I consider….”If this were my last day on this amazing planet, how would I want to live it?” That’s it, no happy pill involved, just one minute a day to keep everything in perspective.

I cannot remember exactly when I started my late night and early morning 30 second musings. It may have been way back in middle school when something catastrophic (bad haircut, probably) happened and, to my pre-teen mind, it was the end of the world. My Dad bravely came into my room with a glass of water and asked, “What do you see?” I honestly can’t remember if I said “A glass half full or empty”, but what I can remember is what my Dad said next. He explained that while we often cannot control what happens to us, we can control the way in which we respond. *BOOM* my pre-teen mind exploded and this moment has stayed with me many (okay, many, many, many!) years later. When things seem pitch black, if I can find that tiny pinprick of light and focus my attention on it, that light grows.

Maybe this all sounds a bit simplistic and cliché to you. I understand. I really do. However if you are so inclined, or even a little curious, give it a shot. Thirty seconds before bed, thirty seconds before you get out of bed is a tiny time commitment, it is completely, 100% free, and there are no nasty side effects.

So this year, during the 12 Days of Christmas, I’ve decided to post 12 Days of Gratitude. As you read these posts, keep in mind it is by no means an exhaustive list and are in no particular order!

Have a great(ful) holiday season!

First Day of Gratitude

I am grateful for my parents.

In the yogic tradition we know that our parents have given us the gift that no one can top and that, no matter what we do, it is a gift of such magnitude that we will never be able to return in kind. I’m talking about the gift of life. I will forever be in debt to my amazing parents for giving me life and did they stop there? No way. My parents went on to give me a childhood filled with love and light, pre-teen and teen years filled (and I mean filled!!!) with patience, and continue, even into my adulthood to support me in any way I may need. They are the embodiment of unconditional love and I am eternally grateful for them.