Recently, I was in a bad mood. Very irritable, and just didn’t want to be bothered with anyone. I don’t know where it came from, but it was here and I couldn’t shake it. I went in my room to say a prayer and then headed out to run my errands. I thought this would be a perfect time to listen to a podcast. I opened my Soundcloud app and started scrolling through the handful of people I follow to search for a title that spoke to me. I came across two podcasts that really helped me shift my focus. I’ve provided links to the podcasts if you’d like to take a listen.
Dreams in Drive “The Car Accident & Why I’m Grateful to be Alive” – Rana Campbell
Immediately after listening to the Dreams in Drive podcast, I began to cry. How could I be so ungrateful? Here I am walking around irritated about who knows what and with everybody (yes, it was one of those days), and I could very well not be here. As Rana, talked about how the car accident she was in as a child changed her life, I began to think about how my life changed after giving birth to my son. I checked in to the hospital for induction on an early morning in April, anticipating the arrival of my son. Little did I know the journey ahead of me would look a lot different than I had expected. After 3 long weeks (2 weeks being in ICU) of multiple x-rays, countless medications, a second surgery, blood transfusion, and numerous tubes attached to my body, I finally went home.
After all this, I am still alive and well. How dare I be so negative and let little things bother me this way? I cried a little more and quickly tried to find the stash of tissue I keep in my car because I didn’t want people passing by to notice my tears. Then I said another prayer, asked for forgiveness, and expressed my gratitude.
Now that I’m all charged up and eager to keep the gratefulness mindset all day, I wanted to hear more, so I went to another favorite and looked for any title related to how I felt that day.
Think and Grow Chick “The Grateful Grind: The art of going after the life you want without hating the life you have” – Courtney Sanders
Courtney recently quit her corporate job to become a full time entrepreneur, and hasn’t even hit 30 yet. Here I am, 33 years old and still trying to put my life together! Professionally, I’m growing and in a good spot, however my passions have certainly been on the back burner… that is until recently with the launch of Blooming August. I did not feel hatred towards life that day, however, I was certainly bummed about some things.
Courtney spoke of how her husband helped her realize that she had a pattern of deferring her happiness until she’s achieved some thing and lacked gratefulness. He said to her, “When are you ever going to be happy? You’re always waiting for the next thing.” This really stuck out to me.
As I realized moments before about my own gratefulness, I too had been on this same cycle. If only I could create and have my own business full time, then I’ll be happy. Why not be happy now? I was able to find a good job that will not only help to support my family, but also financially support my passions. The more I continue to focus on what I don’t have, I will never have enough. (Oprah said that!) I should be grateful for what I have now and the journey.
I learned this day, that everyday you have a choice. A choice to be upset and bothered by things that can easily be resolved or can move passed, or, be happy and grateful right now. It’s called being present. This is where you will find true peace and happiness because you’re not stuck in the past or anticipating what “could” happen.
I’ve learned that practicing gratefulness is something I need to do EVERYDAY… not just when I’m feeling down. So, I’ve started writing in my journal 3 things I’m grateful for, everyday… and it’s helping. Sometimes we need a reminder of what we appreciate in life in the midst of this fast paced, ever-changing, and judgemental world we live in.
We really only have one life to live. Since I was given the opportunity to continue life, I will my life with a grateful heart.
3 Things I’m grateful for today:
- My sister and friends believing in my talents to provide baked goods to their Christmas parties.
- Being able to spend time with my son and husband.
- Having loving parents.
How do you stay positive? What are you grateful for? Please share.
Peace and Love!
Yasmin
I am grateful that I met you and Micah and the provisions of God through the both of you. Happy Days, daily in my suite!! Just able to experience life on this side of grief with daily joy and peace.
Hi Kay! We are grateful to have you in our lives as well. It is truly a blessing to experience daily joy and peace. I’m glad you do.
I’m grateful for my beautiful God given friend and sister Lillian Thomas for share this wonderful God felt & inspired blog with me. It was on time.
Hi Grace! You’re so sweet. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. She is a lovely person and have known her my whole life. I am delighted to hear you received it well. Blessings to you!