Why Is Gratitude Such A Big Deal

Posted on November 3, 2023November 3, 2023 by Patricia

Gratitude is not an endpoint but a transformative journey, especially for women navigating the unique challenges and opportunities that show up every day. It brings out more of our authentic self.

Shedding Doubts:

We often have doubts that cast shadows on our path, blocking our growth and potential. Gratitude acts as a guiding light, illuminating achievements and lessons of the past. By embracing gratitude, we can reject doubts about our capabilities and worth. Rather than dwelling on missed opportunities, expressing gratitude for the lessons learned will nurture resilience and strength.

Planting Seeds for Personal Growth:

In addition, gratitude is like a gardener tending to her garden, it helps to nurture personal growth. Acknowledging experiences, relationships, and challenges as opportunities for growth allows for a transformation similar to a blossoming flower. Expressing gratitude for personal accomplishments unravels the steps to self-improvement.

Daily Gratitude Rituals: Dedicate a few moments each morning or evening to reflect on three things you’re thankful for. This practice helps center your thoughts on positivity and sets the tone for the day.
Self-Care Gratitude: Begin self-care routines with gratitude. Whether it’s a soothing bath, a nourishing meal, or a mindful yoga session, appreciate the moments of rejuvenation you gift to yourself.

More Than A Perspective:

Gratitude enhances our overall happiness and reduces stress levels. It helps shift our focus towards positive aspects of life, creating a more optimistic mindset and it creates stronger relationships. Expressing gratitude towards others strengthens our connections and starts a ripple effect of kindness and acceptance.

At its heart, gratitude is a conscious choice, a mindful decision to focus on life’s blessings, both big and small. By shifting the lens from scarcity to abundance, we can take charge of our lives and change how we live each day.

Connecting With Who You Are

Posted on September 8, 2023 by Patricia

Cultivate a deeper connection with yourself:

Create intentional alone time: Set aside dedicated periods of time where you can be alone with your thoughts and emotions. This could be as simple as taking a walk in nature, journaling, or practicing meditation. Use this time to reflect on your experiences, goals, and desires.

Disconnect from distractions: In our hyperconnected world, it’s important to disconnect from external stimuli to truly embrace solitude. Turn off your phone, step away from social media, and create a quiet space where you can fully immerse yourself in self-reflection.

Engage in self-care activities: Use your alone time to engage in activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul. This could include reading a book, practicing yoga, taking a relaxing bath, or pursuing a hobby that brings you joy. Prioritize self-care and allow yourself to recharge.

Practice mindfulness: Cultivate a sense of presence and awareness in your solitude. Pay attention to your thoughts, emotions, and sensations without judgment. Mindfulness can help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself and foster self-compassion.

Explore your passions and interests: Use your alone time to explore your passions, interests, and talents. Engage in activities that bring you fulfillment and allow you to express your authentic self. This can lead to a greater sense of purpose and meaning in your life.

The more you do it the more you will love doing it!

From My Heart to Yours,

Patti

The Choices We Make

Posted on November 2, 2020November 15, 2020 by Patricia

Sometimes we make choices that don’t work out the way we thought they would.

I went for a walk the other day. My watch was set for thirty minutes so I would know when to turn around and head home. As I crossed over a bridge and I glanced down to railroad tracks and thought it would be cool to walk the tracks instead of the busy road I was on. My walk continued down the next side street and just when my timer went off, I had reached the point where the tracks crossed the road. It was ironic, but I took the unfamiliar path knowing it would take me back to the bridge. Immediately, it got quiet and it was so peaceful and beautiful. I walked with a pep in my step and a smile on my face. It was kind of freeing to just walk, not knowing where I was but confident that I would end up where I needed to be.

The Unknown

When I reached the bridge there was no path up to the main road so I kept walking. The tracks run behind my house so I figured I would keep walking until it became familiar. I began to get tired and saw a house through the woods, so I tried to climb the bank to take a short cut home but it was steep and I slid back down. Fear became an issue as I thought about someone coming out of the woods to hurt me? Then it was panic, worried a train might come and I glanced to each side to see where I could go so I wouldn’t be hit or knocked down. It was tiring and I ended up tripping over my own feet and falling on the tracks. I hurt my hand and cut my leg as I let out a swear word and then sat there on the ground. “Well, you better get up, you have to walk home”, I said out loud.

As I walked, I kept looking through the woods trying to find a way home. Finally, I saw a road ahead that crossed the tracks. I was so relieved. Looking around, I knew I had never been down this road before, so again, I kept walking. Eventually I reached the main road and discovered I had gone much further than I thought.

The Reality

Today I thought about my choice to walk down the tracks and how that one choice was an example of the choices we make in life ~ We think of something and want to do it but hesitate because we don’t know where it will take us. Our choices start off exciting and interesting but then turn into hard work and we start doubting ourselves. We create our own fear and consider quitting or turning back. We fall and get hurt and blame it on the stupid idea. But because it became scary and hard we didn’t like it anymore.

I’ve decided to that walk again tomorrow because now I know the path, the length of it, the dangers and the beauty because I did it and I explored an area that I had never been to before. I found the strength to keep going and because I didn’t give up, I went so much further than I thought I could and I made it home. It’s not about failing or getting hurt, it’s about learning, building our confidence and doing it again. It’s about living and doing what’s in our heart even if it is a little scary.

Writing Tips

Make a list of 12 things that you would like to do. They can be simple enjoyments or big goals, activities or decisions. Do one of them each month and discover you and the world around you.

Tag: #personaldevelopment