EVERYDAY GRATEFULNESS

It’s the time of year to focus on gratitude.  It usually doesn’t occur to me to be grateful for the mundane, routine events of a day.  When I am ill, injured or have other interferences to my routine, only then do I usually miss the ordinary, humdrum day.  Then, I miss the ordinariness of taking a shower, fixing a meal, cleaning house, driving to work, doing paperwork… 

Today, my intention is to have a grateful heart for the simple everyday activities I take for granted.  I will acknowledge with appreciation the people who show up for me day in and day out.  I will recognize with awe the abundant gift that 'just another regular day' really is and remember the many people who would love to have this gift.  I want to remain aware of the extraordinary-ness of simple daily routine.  I give thanks for this day that holds out promise and possibility.

 

 

ONE STEP AT A TIME

When time is short and there is so much to be done, I will take a breath, center myself, and attend to what faces me now.  Moving gracefully from one thing to the next, I will accomplish what I can accomplish in these 24 hours.  I will let go of regrets or anxiety about what I have left undone, it will return tomorrow if it needs resolution and I will deal with it then.  One day at a time.  One step at a time.  One breath at a time is my mantra today.

BELIEVING I AM LOVEABLE

A thought-provoking line from the movie “Perks of Being a Wallflower”:  We invite the love in we think we deserve.  As I acknowledge the people in my life who love me, I realize it is true.  I often only allow myself to be loved and accepted as much as I think I deserve.  When the line of what I think I deserve is crossed, I push them away or find reasons to doubt their love is real.  My own beliefs about my worth and value prevent me from accepting the love that is available.  No wonder I feel lonely and empty at times. 

In addition, I realize I have allowed myself to be deceived about what love is.  I have, at times, kept people in my life who haven’t been good for me.  I have allowed them to hurt, betray, disrespect, and step over my boundaries in the ‘name of love’ thinking if I let their ‘love’ go I’d never find it again.  This has led only to frustration, resentment, depression, and reinforcement of the belief that I’m not loveable. 

Today, I choose to continue working on transforming these beliefs.  I will affirm belief in my own worth and value and have gratitude for those in my life who accept and love me just the way I am.  I will no longer tolerate disrespectful, hurtful behavior as loving.  Rather I will open my heart to the love that is available around me.  I will have expectant hope and trust in abundance knowing that love will show up as I nurture and believe in myself.

SPEAKING UP

How often do I swallow what I’d really like to say?  This does not serve the purpose of building intimacy or trust in my relationships and rather creates distance, isolation and loneliness.  Perhaps there was a time in my life when speaking my truth would have been dangerous; however, that time is now over.  The remnants of fear from past echoes of hurt only continue to enslave me if I fail to recognize that was then and this is now. 

I am no longer an oppressed victim.  I am safe enough to express my thoughts, feelings, and needs.  I can choose to invite respectful and caring people into my life and distance myself from those who aren’t open to hearing and accepting me.  If another person doesn’t like what I have to say, I don’t have to negate my own truth.  I now know it is probably more about them than it is about me and it isn’t my job to manage another’s thoughts or feelings.  I have a right to speak up and communicate my truth.  Today, I will remain connected to my own integrity, acknowledge what matters to me, and be honest when I have something to say.

SELF ACCEPTANCE

Meeting my own expectations of myself can be a demanding task.  My internal critic wreaks havoc within by vigilantly watching for those moments of vulnerability or imperfection that can be held up as proof of failure.  This endless faultfinding creates discouragement, depression, and dissatisfaction, leading to a spiral of self-hatred and shame.  I am aware that when this part of me is unmasked, I simply find a scared little child who is desperate to avoid hurt, rejection, and suffering  while using this ancient defense system in an effort to provide safety and security.  Despite projecting power and control, in reality I find a frightened and quivering child. 

When I hear the voice of criticism and judgment within today, I will remember this child.  I will comfort myself with words of acknowledgement and reassurance rather than put downs and negativity.  I will remind myself that I am allowed to make mistakes; they help me to grow and learn.  I will embrace myself with self-forgiveness and compassion.  I will remain centered standing firmly on the ground of self-acceptance with an open heart.

 

CELEBRATING FRIENDS

Today I celebrate the comfort and joy of being with friends and sharing the moments of happiness and sadness that we have together.  It is such a relief to be reminded that I am not alone and that I can relax and let myself receive.  I don’t have to work so hard to protect my heart from betrayal and hurt.  I know that I will be accepted and loved even though I have imperfections, limitations, and needs.  I can extend compassion and open arms to them without fearing rejection, misunderstanding or boundary invasion.   What a gift. 

I will offer the gentleness, understanding, and support that I have to offer and allow myself to be embraced in loving kindness.    

UNEXPECTED EVENTS

Life is full of surprises.  Some of them are wonderful and some not so much.  When unexpected, unwelcome events occur or people don’t respond the way I expect; it is disappointing, disheartening, and very frustrating.  It can be challenging to communicate assertively and difficult to remain openhearted when you want to strike back, run away or throw the towel in. 

Today, I will remain grounded and centered no matter what I encounter.  I will trust that I have the resources I need to face this day.  Should unwanted events happen, I will remind myself that I am not alone and can ask for help and comfort from those I trust.  I will express my feelings and thoughts honestly.  I will set boundaries to protect myself if they are needed.  Although I may feel like a victim, I am capable of taking the action I need to take.  I will remind myself that the most painful and frustrating moments in my life usually have resulted in the greatest growth and change when I have remained receptive to being me.  Today I choose to be me.