As some of you may know, every year I take a few weeks, decompress as much as I can, and strategize about what I would like to receive from the universe (both personally and professionally) for the following year. I then create a vision board with pictures and words that I have accumulated. I keep it in my office as a reminder and to help decide my priorities and goals. It has been extremely powerful for me. Many of my clients now do their own vision boards.
I have been very fortunate this year to continue to have supportive family members and friends, a healthy and active 96 year old father, an invaluable team of folks that I work with, and a great group of clients that are highly motivated. I was also fortunate enough this year to experience 2 trips (Argentina and South Africa) which were both on my “bucket list.”
In August I started a list of gratitude’s…things that I am grateful for. These gratitude’s include things and people that have come into my life and encourage me to move ahead. I don’t know about you, but there is so much negative energy (between what’s on TV, the internet and the newspaper) that I commit to putting positive energy out there; that’s more closely aligned with who I am and what I want to do.
I am grateful for the fortunes that have come my way this year.
In case you are interested in more information, here is a study of the impact of showing gratitude’s.
“The results of the study indicated that daily gratitude exercises resulted in higher reported levels of alertness, enthusiasm, determination, optimism and energy. Additionally, the gratitude group experienced less depression and stress, was more likely to help others, exercised more regularly and made more progress toward personal goals. According to the findings, people who feel grateful are also more likely to feel loved. McCollough and Emmons also noted that gratitude encouraged a positive cycle of reciprocal kindness among people since one act of gratitude encourages another.
McCullough says these results also seem to show that gratitude works independently of faith. Though gratitude is a substantial part of most religions, he says the benefits extend to the general population, regardless of faith or lack thereof. In light of his research, McCullough suggests that anyone can increase their sense of well-being and create positive social effects just from counting their blessings.”
So I am inviting you to join me on my “gratitude journey”. Starting December 1 THRU December 31st, I plan to write everyday, 7 things that I am grateful for this year. I hope you will write everyday with me.
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1. the wonderful experiences that i have made happen and that occured this year
2. my family being healthy
3. the love expressed from Judith and John
4. the support of my friends this year
5. the business that has transpired this year
6. the clients that i have worked with
7. seeing the beginning of a new year.
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1. the warmth of the Florida sun
2. my dad feeling better
3. my ability to help him in his elder years
4. my friendship with Bill
5. my ability to work from many places
6. the meds that are now available for people living with HIV and AIDS
7. being able to see the ocean.
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1. the amazing moon that is in the sky and my ability to see it
2. Karol being safe from her fire
3. the relaxing massage i had tonight
4. my ability to hear music and be joyous with it
5. Ed and Merle being dear friends
6. the REACH coaches that i work with
7. the wonderful and kind cards that i have received this holiday season
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I am grateful for:
1. that i am posting again
2. my doctor and dentist that make sure i am healthy
3. the music that i am able to hear
4. the people that plow the snow
5. the eclipse that we will be able to see tomorrow
6. myAunt Bella having another birthday
7. the uncles and aunts that i have lost
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Today i am grateful for:
1.the food i eat when others dont
2. having a warm coat and hat to wear when others dont
3. having a warm cup of coffee when others do not
4. having a place to go when it is so cold out when others do not
5. being able to go to a doctor when others can not
6. having a loving family when others do not
7. having supportive friends when others do not
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My gratitudes today are that i am grateful for…
1. that my presentations to audiences are going well
2. the program i did yesterday got rave reviews and i am glad
3. i made people think perhaps from a different view point
4. i was able to share my knowledge
5. i helped and continue to support others
6. my Tuesday night group
7. that Max is able to see better
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I am grateful for:
1. that i am able to see the first snow flakes this winter (hopefully not too much more though!!)
2. that others have been involved with this blog and i apprecaite it
3. that i hvae slippers to wear when its cold
4. that my nieces and nephews are happy and are growing up to be wonderful parents
5. Judith being healthy
6. TRYING to eat healthier
7. being able to pay my bills.
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1. being able to plan another week of work
2. having the opportunity to present this week to 2 differnt groups
3. drinking a delicious bottle of wine this weekend from Argentina
4. the friendship of Jon and Kevin
5. Sharon coming home safely
6. the food that i ate this weekend and everyday
7. the fresh water that i drink
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I am grateful for:
1. being able to see the ocean this weekend
2. listening to the waves hit the beach
3. watching an amazing moon in the sky
4. seeing two friends get married and being so much in love
5. being able to dance at their wedding
6. the comforatable bed that i sleep in
7. having a home to come back too
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I am grateful for:
1.my ability to develop and enjoy my networks
2. my ability to be a connector
3. the people that have particpated in this blog
4. the first sign of snow flurries this a.m. (only flurries, NO SNOW!)
5. my ability to push thru the wall when sometimes its really tough and high
6. my friends and family that i have lost.
7. that friends of mine have the ability to get married.
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