The Power of Gratitude

 
As the holidays approach, many of us feel an array of emotions — childlike excitement, overwhelm, joy, stress, frazzled, whimsical. We look forward (or dread!) buying presents for the people in our lives, we’re inundated with holiday gathering invitations (or feel like we’ve been completely forgotten!), and we pressure ourselves to do everything in our power to enjoy this festive time of year. After all, that’s what we’re supposed to do, right? Enjoy it to the fullest?

A friend of mine recently asked on Facebook if anyone else truly disliked the holiday season like she does. It was interesting to read people’s responses. “I think the holidays are stressful and aggravating.” “I hate all the expectations that come with this time of year.” “It’s hard to enjoy the season when people you love are no longer here with you to celebrate.”  Some expressed frustration of having to be around people they’d rather not and have to act “fake.” While a couple respondents admitted to loving this time of year, the majority grumbled a resounding “Bah Humbug!”

As a coach, I see a lot of opportunities in these responses — boundary setting, eliminating energy drains, declining invitations, identifying and honoring what you want versus what you “should” want, and more. Another missing piece is the power of gratitude.

If you find stress encroaching on your holidays, take five minutes to consider what you are grateful for. It can be any little thing and every big thing. For me, I’m grateful for things like my heated mattress pad, a loving and supportive spouse, friends who can “go deep” and handle grown-up relationships, easy access to clean water, my kitties, the beautiful field across the street from my house, fun and loving parents and brothers and sisters, and my telephone headset. 🙂

Taking time to consider what you have to be grateful for helps to put you in a mental space where you can then make better decisions for yourself and your soul’s care. It also has the power to attract more of what you’d like, improve your relationships, and decrease negativity (which, by the way, if you keep around too much just attracts more negativity!).

One thing I hope you’re grateful for is my free telegathering this week on The Power of Gratitude! I invite you to join me on Wednesday, November 17 at 8 PM ET as we discuss the importance and influence of gratitude on all aspects of your life, and how to harness this force. Simply follow the call-in instructions below to participate:

Dial (760) 569-2121 (long distance charges apply)
Enter access code is: 847801# (be sure to press the # key after the code to join)

To help us all have a positive experience in the class, please note the following:

• Be sure to be in a quiet location where you will not be disturbed
• Take a few moments before the call to get yourself as present as possible. Close your eyes and take some deep breaths in an effort to open yourself to learning, support and opportunities.
• If possible, call from a land line
• Please, no speaker phones
• Turn off call waiting by dialing *70 prior to calling the conference line
• Call in on-time (meaning anywhere from 7:55-8:00 PM ET)
• Participate!

Please note – the call is limited, so be sure to call in a couple minutes early.

As always, there will be time allotted for Q&A, and an opportunity for on-the-spot laser coaching!