It has been a long time I’ve written a gratitude post on the blog and as I return to blogging after a month-long break, I think it’s most appropriate that I start with a note of gratitude.
It’s in the small and the most insignificant moments in life that I’ve often been reminded of how important it is to not take anything for granted. And never has this been more apparent than over the last couple of months as I’ve found myself straddling between the care and the concerns for the family and the self, see myself struggling to cope with the overpowering sense of loss of things that have been very close to my heart and soul. Some losses have reminded me that life will never be the same again no matter how hard I’ve tried holding onto them. There’ve been times when I found myself holding back my thoughts for fear of finding myself more vulnerable than I’d be happy to admit. In short, plenty of setbacks have continued to rule our lives.
In the midst of all the upheaval, nagging health issues, illnesses in the family and uncertainties have come to haunt us over the past three months. One day, I forced myself to break the chain of thoughts and practice gratitude for the good things that came by. Being grateful made me more aware of myself and my emotions and especially my response to changing situations, that were mostly beyond my control. Gratitude made me happier and my heartfelt somewhat lighter. As I started to practice it more consciously, beginning my day with a short prayer for every little blessing that came my way, I began to see a marked change. Mindfulness has been a constant companion and has primarily aided me in clearing the mental clutter and getting rid of the baggage of pent-up negativity.
I am grateful that the past week has been kind to me in more ways than one—
- For that feeling of hope and a surge of positivity and my will to face every obstacle coming my way, right now, even when I know I’m not ready for it.
- Being able to bring the focus back to my professional goals, at a time when giving up seems so easy.
- Having food on the table, comfort on a difficult day and unconditional love from family while so many things still continue to cause worry.
- My home help who has been doing her bit so that I can focus on my well being too.
- Being able to express my thoughts and share them with Mom that lets me release my angst and feel a huge weight being lifted off the chest.
- The little gestures of love and hugs from sonny boy who tries to bring a smile back to my face every time he sees me worried.
- Seeing my efforts of growing a tiny ‘balcony kitchen garden’ taking shape. Harvesting my first crop of spinach and looking forward to the next one has brought me joy beyond measure. (See my Instagram feed for pics)
The secret to having it all, they say, is knowing you already do. This has become my mantra in life. I am choosing to focus on what I already have and that has changed my perspective. Trust me, the feeling of gratitude changes everything. I cannot imagine encountering a more powerful process that allows one to shift one’s energy and bring all that one desires back into life.
No matter how difficult the days ahead be, I’d like to stay thankful and grateful as it helps me experience and appreciate all my blessings in life. How else does one realize that one receives so much more than one gives? Gratitude always makes me feel rich— way richer than I imagine myself to be.
Try it and see for yourself.
That’s my story. Now, tell me. how do you practice gratitude? What are you grateful for, today?
Linking up with the #GratitudeCircle hosted by Vidya Sury and
#everydaygratitude hosted by Corinne, to share all that we are grateful for from the past week.
It’s great that you can see so much to be grateful for amidst times that are trying. I hope things work out well. You need to share pics of your balcony garden! 🙂
Thank you, Sanch. Will surely share pics of my garden next time. 🙂
Everything is a cycle in life and the good goes up for the bad to come down and vice versa! I am so happy to note you have indulged in gratitude to see things in the right perspective rather than drowning in self pity which is the normal reaction to it all! Hugs to you Esha and these storm clouds will blow over to bring a gorgeous rainbow back in your life!!!
Thanks ever so much dear Shalini! Your kind words did make me feel upbeat about the passing days. Hugs right back for things to work for you just as you’d hope they would! May Diwali usher in light, hope, love and prosperity into your life and keep you happy! Happy Diwali. 🙂
Glad to see back, Esha. Don’t worry. This too shall pass. Happy to know about your kitchen garden. we too have our terrace garden now. Really it will keep you calm and happy.
Its these little things that matters most when we count gratefulness. Hope you are better now Esha. A small garden in the balcony is a nice thing to look upto.
Thank you so much dear Upasna! You’re absolutely right … life brings us sonmuch to be happy about, it’s we who need to find them and realise how happiness comes from these little known and everyday moments. My balcony garden is really tiny but a source of joy always. Glad to see you stop by and share your thoughts here. 🙂
I love your mantra. To be happy in whatever you have, helps a lot in hard times. It’s a life lesson that I too have learnt.
So sweet of your son and how he brings smile to your face. These little moments are so precious. I really hope that your troubles would go away soon. Take care.
Thanks for your kind thoughts, Rajlakshmi. It’s amazing how hard times reveal so much more to us about us and our loved ones than when the going gets smooth. Hope you have a good week ahead. 🙂
Hugs! Looks like things have been hard on you. When things go wrong, it’s even harder to not get into a negative spiral and I’m glad you were able to do that.
Wishing you better days ahead! Continue writing and that will also ease your heart and mind.
Thank you, Parul! Hugs right back to you! I’m going to continue writing through the rough times too as long as I’m able to articulate my thoughts. Some days are harder than the rest…it’s those days that we need to be extra gentle to ourselves. You have a wonderful week ahead! Thanks for stopping by and the reassuring thoughts. ❤️
What are you most grateful for today? I am grateful for the warm day in mid-autumn, for the colorful leaves, the squashes, and for being able to take a walk to see it all.
That’s wonderful to know, Alice! Hope you’re making the most of the beautiful day and enjoying the sights and sounds of the season! With winter just around the corner, they won’t last long am sure.
Reblogged this on All About Writing and more.
Thank you Henrietta. 🙂
You are welcome!
😊