Seven years ago my world felt like it was upside down. Two years later I still didn't seem to have it put back together. I decided to take a trip to get away and figure it out. Living out of my car, hiking, and rediscovering who I was or rather who I was becoming was life changing in more ways than one. It made me realize what mattered most to me and along the way I began a gratitude practice.
When I returned home I realized that my journal knew how grateful I was for my family and friends but I wasn't sure if my friends and family really knew. As I practiced finding new things each day, I frequently found myself writing about people I encountered in my day. I decided to write a blog and put that positive energy out into the world.
From there I began selling nature photos with positive and uplifting sayings and soon got requests to be a mentor for others learning to rebuild their own lives. A Gratitude Coach was born and with it a greater push to understand the psychology behind happiness and truly being grateful.
Today is one of my favorite days because I know people around the world are tuning in to their gratitude. It is a great feeling for me and, most likely, for those practicing. And, yes, even after this many years I still call it a Gratitude Practice because it takes consistent practice to really see the life-changing effects.
I'm grateful for the journey that brought me here. I'm grateful for this blog and each of you who read it. I'm grateful for all the people that inspired me and encouraged me to build this path. I'm grateful for every client that has passed through my door.
I'm grateful for all that gratitude has given me. I'm grateful for friends, new and old, that accept me as I am. I'm grateful for my amazing family and all their loving support. I'm grateful for my husband and daughter that are a product of all the changes my life went through. And I'm grateful to have learned how to type with one hand while holding a squirming, silly one year old who lights up my life. I am grateful! And I'm grateful to share it with the world.
What are you grateful for today? How will you celebrate World Gratitude Day?
May today remind us to share our positive energy with the world. May we find gratitude in where we are and in where we are heading. Have a beautiful day!