Thursday, October 20, 2011

gratitude

The paper on the edge of my tea bag reads, "Gratitude is the open door to abundance." The second I read this, I had to pause. The words really struck me for some reason. And now, as I sit here sipping my tea, I find that I'm still thinking about them.

Gratitude. I recall that before certain events this year took place, I was embracing this word more than I ever had. I remember waking up everyday, feeling so grateful that I was back at home, doing what I wanted to do with the people I love. I knew that I shouldn't fear the future because everything that needed to happen would reveal itself in time. I remember this one journal that I used specifically for making lists of everything for which I was thankful. Any time I thought of something, I'd make sure to write it down. I carried that journal with me everywhere I went as a reminder of life's blessings: both the big and the small.

Gratitude. I now realize I paused when I read that sentence because after all that has happened lately, I have completely forgotten about my former perspective. It's so easy to focus on what's wrong. It's so easy to wish things had happened differently, to get caught up in the past or the future and thereby, forget about the present. I can honestly say I don't think I've consciously been thankful for months. It's strange, really...how quickly a perspective can change. Our thoughts really do dictate the way we live our lives, though it is very easy (and human) to let them control us. It's so easy to believe we have no control over emotions, but if we make a conscious effort to become a watcher of the mind (instead of succumbing to it), everything can change.

Gratitude. Back when I fully embraced this concept, every single moment felt precious & daily life became almost magical. Now, I definitely can't say things are the same. But tonight, that small tea bag reminded me that my current state of mind needn't consume me forever. I need to be grateful for all the wonderful people and blessings I have in my life. I need to remind myself to stop, take a look around, and be thankful...for there is, indeed, so much for which to be grateful.

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