By Bronwyn Ison
Each week I am grateful in sharing my articles with our community. Overwhelming gratitude prevails for my children, health, successes, my trials and tribulations. A friend of mine shared how she received a journal as a gift. Each day she is to write what she is grateful for in her life. I love this idea. For years I have commenced my day with a spirit of gratitude. Imagine if you approached each day as though it were Thanksgiving. I do it and it seems to reap reward more often than not. Certainly all is not perfect. Attitude is paramount.
Our sensibilities can determine the direction of our day. As a mother I play a game with my daughters called, “The Cranky Bird.” When one of my daughters is irritable, I mention she must have a cranky bird on her shoulder. I either open a door, a window or walk outside so that we can release the cranky bird outside where he belongs. Each time my ploy works and within moments her mood will shift positively. My mother played this game with me too. I do believe we can learn how to adjust our attitude at a young age.
I am thankful for each occurrence, positive or negative. Naturally, if it’s positive, I am exceptionally thankful. Yet, I am thankful when life doesn’t go my way. This provides me an opportunity for growth and I can sustain a positive outlook on life. There have been moments when I am grateful for my unfortunate life experiences. Why? I have gleaned so much about people. Fortunately, lessons from others have afforded me the opportunity to craft meaningful insight about every relationship in my life. I am grateful to be able to associate healthy and soulful people.
If you were to make a list of what you are thankful for in life, how would it read? Our lives are evolving. Each day offers something new. Consider making a list daily. Attempt to render each day of thankfulness different. I have a choice to control my attitude or allow downward growth to predominate. I shift gears and consider I may be stopping at every red light for a reason. Perhaps, I avoided an accident. Anyway you look at it I will arrive at the exact time needed for me to be there.
A quote I once read said something of this nature, “Whatever we are not grateful for, somebody else is praying for.” This resonated with me. It reminded me to reflect on what I have versus what I do not possess. Having a kind heart and spirit will allow others to know you come from a genuine place. A multitude of favor and blessings will spill into your life when you approach life with a grateful spirit.
Try this assignment for one-week. Commit to writing everything you are thankful for in life.
Wishing each of you and your families a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Bronwyn Ison is the owner of Evolve Yoga. www.e-volveyoga.com 760.564.YOGA(9642)
