Current Gratitude Practice

Dear Reader,

The end of 2017 was similar to the end of other years. But over the past decade of my life the hope that the coming year would be better has slowly given way to a sense of dread.

In some ways the past year, my daughter's first, has been one of the hardest. Adjusting to motherhood was way more difficult than I anticipated - despite it being something I had always wanted. I was finding myself frequently out-of-sorts, setting off a seemingly endless cycle of exhaustion, irritability, mini-melt downs, and guilt, as I constantly work to not 'sweat the small stuff.' 

Well, I now know what it will take to break this cycle, and that is gratitude. I am certain that the guilt I feel is because of the sharp contrast between the many blessings in my life, and my frustrated reactions to some small - and not-so-small - problems. 

Don't get me wrong- the idea is not to force myself to be grateful no matter what. Rather, even while in the midst of the frustrations of daily life, I aim to be grateful about the good things because I want to acknowledge that those feelings are always there, though the negative ones come and go. If I were to die tomorrow, I would want everyone in my life to know how grateful I am to them for helping shape who I am today, and for the amazing life I have led so far.

How will I go about this? By saying thank you, of course! But this time saying it 'out loud' through words, letters, phone calls, and my writing here at BCB. There are so many books and 'gratitude projects' out there whose intentions and results are truly inspiring. However, although I have no intention of crafting my own 'brand' of gratitude practice, I need to do this my own way. As of now, I have purposely not read much about any of these projects and publications so that I can stay original and true to myself. 

Here are my simple rules: 

Staying true: Thinking of the best way to thank someone, then doing it as soon as possible.

Staying open: Just focusing on expressing the gratitude, not writing the 'perfect post' or thank-you note. 

Staying flexible: Though my aim is to post everyday for the remainder of 2018 as often as possible during 2019, being aware that it may not always be possible, and that's okay. 

Staying accountable: Through making my writings public (check!) but also accessible to all my family and friends (check!).  

So, here goes. I know that there will be ups and downs, and that it will not be easy - probably very difficult on some days. But we all know that nothing worthwhile is ever really that easy- and when I think of a life and mind filled with love, thankfulness, hope, and grace, that is no contest compared to where I am now.

With Metta,

Renata

*****

May all beings be happy!

I'm going to make that 'Gratitude' label grow! :)