Attitude of Gratitude

Quote: “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.  It turns what we have into enough, and more.  It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity.” –Melody Beattie

Song: Little Things by India Irie

Having an attitude of gratitude my New Years Resolution.  Its been said that if you give then you shall receive.  I feel that by nature I am a giver.  With that said, in the heat of the moment or when I seem to be on a downward spiral.  I often feel like I have nothing to give, so what’s the purpose.  How can you expect to be open to receive the blessings that await you if you aren’t grateful for the blessings you are currently receiving.  You have one life to live.   If you are blessed enough to take on this project you are already one step ahead of the game and for that alone you should be grateful.  You have the opportunity to live and see this day.  A day full of glory, progress, and change.

So your journal entry will be to make a gratitude list.  Take as many pages as you like.  Even writing on the back of the pages if you need more space.  For some of us our list may be 5 things but others 25.  Dig deep.  This journal entry has no end.  Keep adding to it as you grow and learn.  Always reflect back to it as time passes.   Now lets list our “Attitude for Gratitude” playlist.  Think about songs that inspire you to appreciate not only the world and people around you; but yourself also.  List the songs and why you feel the way you do when you are listening to them.  Listen to your playlist and recite your gratitude list at least once a week preferably on a Sunday so you can start the week off right.

Be Inspired

Inspiration

Quote: “Breathing in, I calm my body. Breathing out, I smile.  Dwelling in the present moment, I know this is a wonderful moment.” –Thich Nat Hanh

Song: Maxwell “Woman’s Work”

Inspiration can come from many things It could be a picture, a bird, a cloud, a tree, or even a song. The world is full of things that inspire. Take a moment to open your eyes and look for it. Take a nature walk if weather permits; if not, grab a seat and a hot totti and stare out the window. You might be surprised on what you uncover. So find something inspiring today.  Take a picture of it whether in your mind or with a camera.  Capture the moment and journal about your experience.  List your inspirational playlist and put your heart into it.  Describe how you feel about yourself when you hear those songs.  Now lets play relax your mind close your eyes and feel INSPIRED!!

I am the author of my story

Share your story

Quote: “When you stand and share your story in an empowering way, your story will heal you and your story will heal somebody else.” –Iyanla Vanzant

Song:  We Fall Down Donnie McClurkin

I was recently introduced to Tony Robbins via Oprah.  Gotta love her.  In her piece on Mr. Robbins, who is a world famous motivational speaker he discusses how everyone’s life revolves around his or her story.  He discussed how the only thing keeping us from getting what we want is the story we keep telling ourselves about why it can't happen.

My un-humble beginnings started just like most of you.  It seemed to begin with pain, poverty, misfortune, and lack of, added with molestation, insecurity and no father in the household.  I am now realizing things don't have to end that way.  Although those misfortunes were my beginnings they are by far not how I want my story to end.  I am the author of this book.  This is my story.  I always thought that because I grew up in a negative environment, it makes it that much harder to visualize myself in a different situation or my life ending up any different than others in my situation. I, like everyone else in the free world want bigger and better for myself but because of my upbringing I place limits on my abilities and myself.

You know now that you are the author of your own destiny.  Now its time to take control and write out how we want our story to play itself out.  How do you want this story to read?  Will it read like a drama, or maybe you are more of the comedy type of person, then again if your anything like me you want it be a romantic comedy filled with action a little drama but a lesson to be learned at the end.   The Journal entry for today is to write out your story.   Be as detailed as possible.  Thank God for the gift of being the author of your own story.  What would your story sound like if you had to put it to music?  List your ideal playlist describing how the songs relate to your situation and how you feel listening to them.