Every year around this time, we all are reminded to think about everything we are grateful for. Many focus on the typical things such as family and friends, good health, a roof over our heads and having our basic needs met. These are the easiest parts of our lives to consider and certainly are some of the most important.
Lately, many are struggling and are having a hard time focusing on what is good in their lives. When trouble seems to be our constant companion, it’s much easier to focus on the challenges we are facing and how we need to overcome the obstacles in our path.
As I have written about before, the energy we feed is the energy we grow. While we are human and can’t help but worry or stress, there are things we can do to minimize the impact and help raise our vibration. Hard times don’t erase beauty, they just make it harder to see. But the small joys are still there, like stars behind clouds.
Reframing how you look at a situation is a great place to start when something goes wrong. Instead of being disappointed that your weekend plans fell through, you can tell yourself there’s always another weekend, you get to save your money for now, and you get more time to relax or tend to chores around your home.
Ask someone else what is something that went right for them today. When we focus on the positives in others' lives, it can inspire us to find our own, help us pay attention to uplifting energy instead of negative, and it can also remind others to do the same.
You can create a ritual of noticing such a “rose, thorn, bud.” Share one good thing (rose), one hard thing (thorn), and one thing you’re looking forward to (bud) with a friend or journal. Keep a gratitude journal each day. Jot down 1–3 small things that made you smile. A warm cup of tea, a kind text, a moment of quiet. If you have a hard time with that, your list could consist of small wins you are grateful for, even being grateful the day is over and tomorrow is a fresh start.
Practicing brief moments of mindfulness can help us reset and change our mindset. Stop for a moment, take a long, slow, deep breath in. Hold it for a few seconds, and then slowly release it. Pay attention to your senses and surroundings. The sound of falling rain. The smell of fresh air. The warmth of your fireplace. That alone can often release physical stress and also give our minds time to calm and quiet down.
A final important reminder to curate your newsfeeds and sources of information and entertainment. Follow accounts that share uplifting stories, art, or humor. Things that feed your soul, make you happy and laugh, remind you of all the good in the world, and why you should feel hopeful.
Sacred Spirit Wellness is located at The Healing Hive, 21 Barton Street in Bradford, VT. They can be reached via email at sacredspiritwellness1@gmail.com, on their Facebook page or www.sacredspiritwellness.com

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