how expressing gratitude paved the way to positive change in my life

“When some things go wrong, take a moment to be thankful for the many things that are going right.”

It is human nature to steer towards negativity in life.

“Oh man, we don’t have any good snacks in the pantry.”

“I got a 80 on that math test when everyone else got an 90.”

“It is so hot outside, I think I’m going to melt.”

“Why doesn’t my body look as beautiful as hers?”

Don’t worry, I personally shift towards the things that are going wrong in my life and thus let them consume me, making me sad, unhappy, and ungrateful.

Over the past few months in quarantine I’ve learned to turn the page and express gratitude step by step.

When there was a sudden pause in my life due to COVID-19 I had no choice but to face head on the many wrong things in my life, except that this didn’t have to be the case. Expressing my appreciation instead of expressing my complaints put a brick off my shoulder.

It happened one night when I was walking around my neighborhood listening to my favorite playlist. I realized all I had in my life. I cut off any comparisons to any other people, because this was MY life, nobody else’s. And in this life I had 2 healthy parents who I got to spend time with everyday. A brother who would be going to school with me for the next 2 years. Friends who made me laugh and smile. A room all to myself, Good food on the dinner table. A home that was air conditioned and spacious. A garage with a hockey net for me to practice. Netflix, Disney Plus, Netflix Party with friends. The list went on and on. Once I became aware of the good, the bad seemed less of a monster in my mind. It is once you’ve recognized the positives, that the negatives seem to disappear.

My thoughts went from: I am never going to have a good end to 10th grade at home….to…wow I am so lucky to have school amongst my parents and be able to complete my homework in a study room all to myself. It went from “I am so sad I don’t get to see my friends…to….I am so fortunate to be able to FaceTime then and make sure they are happy and healthy.

A certain quote came up that I also loved. “My socks may not match, but at least my feet are warm.”

If there is one takeaway from showing gratitude it is that every situation holds positivity or light at the end of the tunnel. Even if it takes some digging to find it, we can always be grateful and count our blessings.

If you can’t think of anything to be thankful for, simply be thankful for life! Life is a up and down path and even if it feels like you have been down for months, think back to the happiest of times and visualize that for your future.

Life isn’t perfect but counting on the good vs. reflecting on the bad can make a true difference.

Here are simple ways you can be thankful as well:

• Give your parents a visit, hug, call, facetime, or letter showing them your gratefulness.
• Send a text to your true friends telling them how much you love them
• Every night before tucking in, think to yourself about all the good in your life (friends, family, a roof over your head, AC, good food, life itself, etc.)
• Go on a walk right when the sun is setting and remind yourself that life is beautiful

While these things may seem small, a little always goes a long way!

Practicing gratitude is a journey but once in your life, will most likely help you bring more things to show gratitude for.

It’s never too hard to count your blessings 🙂

Peace & Good Vibes,

Maya ❤