The best decision I ever made for MYSELF was the decision to start cultivating gratitude. I was at rock bottom and ready to give up. I felt absolutely defeated. I hated myself. Thankfully my mom wasn't ready to throw in the towel, as much as I didn't want to hear it in the moment, she would call me out on everything I was complaining about and helped me see it from another perspective. ( THANKS MOM!!) It wasn't nearly as hard as I thought it would be! It's been almost 4 years and I couldn't be more grateful for gratitude and all the ways it's changed my life, helped me changed my entire way of thinking and the way I view the world.
I used to be: depressed, anxious, constantly crying, finding the worst in every situation, miserable, constantly complaining, hateful, spiteful, spoke to myself and others in awful ways, always thought the grass was greener on the other side, and said FML at least 100 times a day.
NOW: I am able to see the good in anything, I'm happy with the grass on my side, I no longer battle with depression and anxiety, I jump out of bed in the morning, rarely ever complain (and when I do, I call myself out), I've discovered self love and care, I attract more positivity and blessings, I forgive, I have more love and compassion in my heart than I ever thought possible, but most of all, I AM HAPPY even when it feels like my world is falling apart around me, I know I still have so much to be grateful for and that this storm will pass, just like the rest of them have. The sun will always shine again ☀️
💗Remember happiness is an inside job, NO ONE can do it for you 😀
Want to start cultivating gratitude, but don't know where to start?
🔹🔹THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO KNOW ABOUT GRATITUDE IS... There is NOTHING to small, silly or stupid to be grateful for. Any ounce of gratitude is better than no gratitude at all!! 🔹🔹
🔹Starting something new whatever it may be takes dedication and consistency. I highly suggest creating a practice or ritual that you can do at the same time everyday, and then some. (I ride the gratitude train all day long, especially during stressful and tragic moments). Before you get out of bed, with every sip you take of your morning coffee or tea, with every bite you take, while you're brushing your teeth, driving to work or laying in bed at night, mentally list off at least 5 things you are grateful for.
🔹Gratitude journal, write down 5 things everyday (preferably in the morning and before bed) its a great way to start and end the day with a positive vibe and a good way to let go of any stress and anxiety.
🔹My good friend Michael Ian Cedar @thelegacyofyou does a Daily Global Gratitude Slam every Monday-Friday at 7:35am EST on periscope. We have a pretty kick ass community filled with gratitude, love, diversity, creativity and inspiration.
🔹The app Happier, this was what I used as a gratitude journal. You can have a private or public profile, the happier family is truly amazing and oh so supportive. It really helps to surround yourself with like minded people. Also, by reading other people's happy moments and things they are grateful for, it can help inspire other things to be grateful for that you may have been taking for granted.
🔹Gratitude Jar / Board, whichever you prefer. Write down something you are grateful for and put it in/on. Visual reminders are incredibly helpful!
However you decide to start cultivating gratitude I want you to know a couple things:
-I'M SO PROUD OF YOU!!
-YOU WON'T REGRET IT!!
-DON'T GIVE UP!!
-YOU CAN DO IT, I BELIEVE IN YOU!!
If you already have a gratitude practice or ritual I would love to hear about in the comments below!
