We can’t deny the fact that bad things happen in life. I know we talk often about joy, peace and a Wildhearted life but I don’t take lightly the challenge that life can be for so many. Heartbreak, at the unthinkable level, happens every day and injustice continues to exists. I'm sure you've experienced your share of this in your own life.
I’m speaking to you right now if the conversation in your head goes something like this:
I can never have a joyful life
I will NEVER get over what happened to me
People who get to live those kinds of life are privileged
Too many people depend on me
I can’t stop to think about this
In my online series, Wholehearted, I quote Alaina Fairchild. It moves me every. single. time. I read it because it so beautifully captures the challenge and vulnerability involved in doing the inner work. It can seem so much easier to simply stay in our familiar comfort zone even if that so-called comfort is personal pain.
I want you to know that I see you, I hear you and I believe you.
Ready to open the door to healing?
The one practice that can reliably support your inner growth is a daily gratitude practice.
Here is a practice to get you started.
Put a small notebook or post-it pad by your bed.
Pause each night and write down 3 things that you're grateful for before going to sleep.
Breathe into your heart space and allow yourself to feel grateful.
It may feel challenging at first to think of things you're truly grateful for or to actually feel grateful when you write them. It's ok to start small. Just keep going and I assure you it will grow.
You may write water, my car, life, my family at first and then find that your list gets more detailed and rich as you build your gratitude muscle. It's like anything else, the more we practice the easier it gets.
As you develop the ability to conjure gratitude, you can apply it to the MOST challenging situations. It's amazing how quickly gratitude can shift your experience from sadness and overwhelm to peace and contentment. And don't be surprised when you catch yourself being delighted by simple things throughout your day. It's a common side effect of a gratitude practice.
In the Wholehearted series we look at what it takes to develop conscious practices and create a life we love. I assure you, you have the power to do it and you are so worth it.