Take time to notice what is flourishing in your life...

We can get hung up on what's not going well in our lives.  Our job isn't exactly what we imagined we would be doing at this point in our lives.  Our relationship isn't quite what we dreamt of all those years ago.  We aren't even in the relationship we imagined we would have.  We're not as fit, svelte, patient, rich as we would like.  Summer doesn't feel like summer.

BUT!

We can completely change the way we are feeling about all of the above! It is up to us to choose what we think and what we focus on.  I'm not saying it is easy or straightforward but I AM saying it is possible to train ourselves to become more positive and optimistic.  Once we start noticing the positives and taking time to appreciate what we do have, we begin to notice more and so the momentum gathers. 

For the next few weeks, I invite you to write down TEN things you are grateful for every night, or positive moments to remember, and celebrate.  It's important to write ten things down because the first few may come easily but the last few are a struggle.  That's when we have to dig deep.  It's when we dig deep in any situation that we notice meaningful change.

On the days you struggled to get out of bed, celebrate the fact you did get out of bed! If you didn't get out of bed, be grateful that you have a bed to lie in, many don't. On the days the sun remains hidden and you feel the gloom, remind yourself that everything changes and the sun will return.  The fact we don't see the sun all the time makes it even more special when we do have a sunny day! 

Notice all the different flowers growing just now and the variety of colour.  Listen to all the different birds when you go for a walk. Smile at someone on the street and notice how they respond with the gift of a smile back to you. Talk time to get in touch with someone you haven't seen for a while. At mealtime, take time to eat mindfully for a few mouthfuls, noticing the colours on the plate, the texture of the food, the smell and the taste as you slowly enjoy what you are eating. I could go on but I hope this has given you a list to start with. 

Do this for a few weeks and begin to notice the change. I look forward to hearing from you!