the next 30 days...

So here's the thing. (As a person who is consistently and persistently trying to overhaul their life ad nauseum) I've decided not to wait until the beginning of the month start the next 30 days. Because there is no time like the present (and tomorrow is not promised). I'm feeling motivated and encouraged (by a recent conversation with a friend or two) and inspired and want to ride that wave. And with all the sadness and madness happening in the world around us (and within us) an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure (says Benjamin Franklin).

This isn't a new or novel idea but it has proven lasting effects. Our thoughts become things. If we want to see a change, a shift, then we have to do the mental (and then the physical) work. To challenge our daily thoughts by being intentional about what we choose to focus on. A combination of gratefulness and affirmation. I attempted this a few months back but not with much steadfastness. But I really need it to stick this time. To make this a real part of my daily living. A habit--to breath it and live it.

Gratitude. I really believe it is the way home. The way to increase the desires of your heart. to live a fuller more purposeful life. To start by (and continuing to) focus on what you already have, to be grateful for what you already possess. To stop comparing your success, your life, your family, your business, your body, your abilities, your creativity, your house, your relationship, your worth (or your perceived lack) to that of others. I realize this is an extra hard task with the temptations of social media. But what waits on the other side of that is your ability to a good life based on the things that matter to YOU.

A wise person once said:

"You need to ignore what everyone else is doing and achieving. – Your life is about breaking your own limits and outgrowing yourself to live YOUR best life. You are not in competition with anyone else; plan to outdo your past, not other people."

So for the next 30 days, I will list (at least) three things I am grateful for every day. First thing. Front and center. Maybe something that happened, or something I'm speaking into existence. There are a million amazing little things I could choose to acknowledge and be grateful for. Something new I've found about myself, or something I had forgotten. Something that made me laugh or smile or just proud to have witnessed or to have been a part of. Our words are so powerful. And our thoughts too..

1. I am grateful for life (and the lives) I have created.

2. God's grace and the power that it gives me to love myself flaws and all.

3. I am grateful for a community of friends who motivate and encourage me.

Will you join me? What are you thinking today? What are you grateful for?

xxBH