It's time to reflect and APPRECIATE all the
things in my life that brought me to this moment. In fact - I've been
appreciating so much, that I've not sat down to put it in words. Daily
meditations, IG and FB posts, chats while we walk the pups at home, conversations
with friends and family... I've been living in gratitude the best I can.
So, I want to share a
little about how it's impacted me this month and why I'm working gratitude into
my daily habits.
Admittedly, August has
been bananas. 2 good sized events on the heels of my largest event of the year
(in mid-July) along with the regular family craziness and a "do
nothing" weekend that packed a whole lot in, despite not having anything
but a Cubs game planned. I am recharged, excited and ready to jump into
the fall like a new student ready to learn! (Does anyone else love the end
of summer because it helps them get back to a routine, like we are still in
school?)
Without making things to
complicated, getting into all the things that you COULD do or pretending like
telling you what you SHOULD do is productive (I hate the word
"should" - it's just someone else's expectation weighing in on our
lives), here is a very short list of ways that I am able to connect with gratitude
and show appreciation in my daily life.
Daily:
Get centered: I read a daily reminder book "for
women who do too much." These are reminders that remind me that a) I'm
normal, b) I am enough, c) that I can't take care of anyone else if I'm not at
my best (physically, emotionally), d) sometime recognizing patterns can help
change our lives. I appreciate who I am, just as I am, right now.
Get moving: I walk the pups, every day, twice a day
(when I'm in town!). When I'm away, movement is part of how I stay grounded -
long walks, physical work, squeezing in push-ups when I can. Workouts happen
early mornings after I lead group fitness classes most days. Physical activity reminds me
of lots of ways to show how much I appreciate my life: I'm able to move. My
body feels strong and healthy. I can take deep breaths. I'm keeping my pups
healthy by getting them moving. My hubster and I can chat after a long day and
reconnect or decompress while walking the neighborhood. I can take in new sites and meet now people (and dogs, aka "DILP"s ... Dogs I'd Like to Pet).
Sleep: I'm grateful that I'm able to sleep. I'm a
great sleeper! I am my best with 8 hours, but if I only get 6, I am grateful
that my schedule allows for a nap! So many things in my physical body have
improved with better sleep, and I could go on for days about how my emotional
being is better when I'm rested.
Say it OUT LOUD: I appreciate "x". I'm thankful
for "y". I'm so lucky to know "z". No one must
hear it but you. Maybe you write it down, maybe you repeat it to yourself
throughout the day, but start by saying it out loud. It makes it real to you,
and that will help truly recognize and appreciate these things.
- I appreciate: my husband. His belief in my ability to
succeed has given me opportunities to create the life I want, the life
we'll live together. We're building together and I'm so excited for all
our future adventures!
- I appreciate: my family. No matter how weird I am, how
busy I get, how hard on myself I can be, I know I have support and love.
- I appreciate: my friends. Calls, messages, or texts to
check in. Sharing a meal, dessert, their spare room couch, friendly
advice, a long hike, or a word of confidence when I’m just not sure. You
don’t have to have many to appreciate a great friend.
- I appreciate: the leadership in the companies I'm
working with. Folks who really have my best interest in mind, and who are
helping me make an impact in one way or another.
- I appreciate: the lessons I learned the hard way. While
I could be embarrassed of my failures in life, I am looking at them as
opportunities to charge course. Things I learned in school, from my
parents and family, from old friends, new friends, "frien-emies"
who never really had my back at all, and strangers on the street. Showing
love and acceptance, seeing things from another perspective, and recognizing
that my experiences aren't my truth - they're just my story... and I have
the power to change my story.
- I appreciate: the goals and dreams I have. They give me
room to reach, something to strive for, and the fuel for the fire to be my
best. Who do I want to be, what will my life look like in 10 years, what
will my impact be? Whatever the answers are - and they may change -
I'm thankful that I know I can achieve them all, if it's what I want and I
put in the work.
I also do things like hug my dogs, look through
pictures from trips I've taken, sit in the sun, listen to books that help me
learn something, or just sit back do nothing. A deep breath and an easy mantra
of "I appreciate" is a wonderful way to shift my mindset and change
my energy.I've been thinking about September and all the amazing things that are coming this fall... trips, events, family, friends, new chapters for me as a wife, parent, friend, mentor, and mentee. I am thankful and appreciate how everyone in my life plays a very special role in my development and success.
I haven't yet decided on
my September "One Word" - but I know I'll continue to APPRECIATE and
live in gratitude, daily.
Thankful for you taking the time to read this,
PS - I'd love to hear
about how you live in gratitude, the struggles you're facing, and/or resources
that you love to help you find appreciation in your daily life!
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