Aha Moment Monday
When we were designing the Gratitude Journals for PGI, Gina and I discussed calling them something other than a “gratitude journal”.
While the act of taking time and writing in a journal can be both powerful and empowering, we really wanted the people receiving these journals to be fully aware of the magnitude of embodying a spirit of gratitude and guide them with appropriate phrases.
You see most of us are caught up in our own life’s drama. In that bubble, expressing gratitude requires a conscious pause as opposed to “gratitude” being a heightened, ongoing state of awareness.
Why is it important to know the difference?
What is born from gratitude is generosity.
When we’re grateful, we open the flood gates for reciprocity.
In a state of gratitude, we recognize the gifts of people and circumstances and become more open to possibilities of both giving and receiving.
The challenge?
When life is overwhelmingly stressful, being grateful and subsequently extending generosity might not come easily.
Aha – You cannot give what you don’t have.
In truth, you have far more than you’re aware of.
In a state of gratitude you’re extending yourself beyond pinpointing specifics that you can see, and recognizing that the Universe is filled with an abundance of good vibes just waiting for you to tap into.
So, rule #1: you need first to be grateful for who you are (not get hung up on who you’re not)
That includes all the people and circumstances surrounding you. They may not always be what you asked for but they’re surely what you need.
Then rule #2: you need to give to yourself first
Honor yourself with the gift of time, patience, love, kindness, support, understanding, belief, honesty, acceptance, encouragement and nourishment in every aspect.
It’s at that point you’ll beam fulfillment and naturally live in gratitude and generosity.
It’s at that point we all win.
For the journals, Gina came up with, “With An Open Heart” for the cover, and at the top of each page of the journal is written, “I am grateful for:”
The full quote belonging to today’s Aha is, “You cannot teach what you don’t know. You cannot give what you don’t have. You cannot forgive what you can’t forget. But you can love even if you’re not being loved back.”
And it starts with an open heart.
How are YOU going to begin “Giving Tuesday”?
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