Have you ever been told that you take things or people for granted? Or have you ever looked around and thought to yourself how grateful you are for the littlest things? I admit, I’ve been bad about these things myself, but being in Alcoholics Anonymous has taught me that it’s time to focus on things other than myself. And in the spirit of the season, I have made a Gratitude List. Have you ever made one? How has it worked for you?
I found it easier to make one if I focus on the alphabet. Rather than a subject, like ‘things I’m thankful for about my family’ etc., I really wanted to dig deep into things that I normally wouldn’t think of. I want my Borderline Brain to be able to mix and meet my sober brain and appreciate even the small things in this life that it sometimes struggles to see. Here is what I was able to come up with.
A – Air, Alcoholics Anymous
B – Belief System, Breakthroughs
C – Challenges, Comfort
D – Dogs, Deep Conversations
E – Emotions, Education
F – Fresh Sheets, Friends
G – Goals, Gelato
H – Health, Humor
I – Intuition, Ice Cream
J – Journaling, Journeys
K – Knowledge, Kisses
L – Love, Lazy Days
M -Mother Earth, Meditation
N – Nature, Naps
O – Opportunities, Ocean Sunsets
P – Planners, Photography
Q – Quality Time, Quirkiness
R – Rainy Days, Roadtrips
S – Sobriety, Snuggles
T – Traveling, Tea
U – Uniqueness, Umbrellas
V- Vacations, Vega (the star)
W – Water, Wellness
X – X-Rays, (being) Xenial
Y – Yoga, Youthfulness
Z – Zen Moments, Zumba
As I look at my list, I realize exactly how grateful I am for the little things. It wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be (except for X – I can’t lie about that one). But I need to remember each and every day that it’s the little things that make up the big things. Memories, photographs, and stories are going to be made up from each of these grateful and items on your list.
I love that, while the fog of the alcohol and drugs is gone, my Borderline Brain is still able to appreciate these things now. It can look through a different lens and see life in a much different light. And when I do have a bad day (which I do) I can come to my list, see what is plausible on that day (let’s face it, some days a vacation can’t be done, but a cup of tea can) and I can do what I can to turn my day around.
It is also believed that keeping a gratitude journal can be a brain benefit. Including increased happiness and positive thinking, better physical and psychological health and increased social integration for children, adolescents and adults alike.
This particular list is written in alphabet format. I received a journal that has 365 days worth of pages all in like format for you to list what you’re grateful for, what could make the day great and a place for you to write your affirmation (all to do in the morning). And then at night, to include 3 lines for amazing things that happened today and what you could have done to make it better. It’s all about changing your mindset. Because a sick or clouded mind cannot focus on a healthy and clear lifestyle. I plan on starting that on January 1st and beginning the new year off right.
It might sound corny, but Gratitude can change your Attitude!
The goal of these blogs is to set intentions and to manifest a beautiful and purposeful life! To find beauty in the ugliest of places and to find light in the darkest.
Come with me on this journey as we discover a pathway to healing, health, purpose and joy!
And remember: Don’t take life too seriously, no one gets out alive!
Awaken Your Soul's Potential 