When we are feeling down or unmotivated, a simple shift of focus can change the way we interpret and experience life. We can put problems – both real and perceived – into perspective by reminding ourselves of, and being grateful for, all that we already do have and all that we have accomplished along the way.
While navigating through the past 2 years of shutdowns, mandates and truckers, while trying to run a business that requires face-to-face contact, I was reminded that it’s the little things that bring magic into my life. Previously, I had lost sight of the little things that brought me joy and focused instead on accomplishing something “big” or “important”. But these past 2 years have shifted how I see and interact with my world. At work, I was reminded that I do what I do because I love my job. I am very appreciative that I was still able to see patients and so grateful that I was able to maintain my business. In my personal life, I was reminded that it only takes a small “bubble” of people to feed your soul.
When you feel grateful and appreciative you are operating at a higher state of awareness that only leaves room for those thoughts and emotions that feel good. We all want the same thing – to feel good. Yet often we decide that we will only be able to feel good after certain predetermined conditions are met. What would our life be like if we could feel good regardless of external circumstances?
In most situations there is a good and a bad. Focusing on what you do not like only serves to keep you where you are. Bringing your attention to what is working, and finding aspects that you value and can appreciate, brings you to a higher state of well-being. I’m not suggesting that you should ignore the things in your life that are not working. Take notice of, and where possible action on, what isn’t serving you but do not dwell in the feelings that keep you frustrated, stressed, and underwhelmed or overwhelmed. Instead, bring your attention to the good in your life and watch how it changes your energy and the energy of your circumstance.
Regardless of where we are, or what we may be doing, there is always something in our life worthy of our gratitude and appreciation. When you find the good in a less than ideal circumstance, it allows you to gain a new appreciation for your life. Appreciating life exactly as it is brings us into the energy of gratitude, allowing us to see and feel the blessings in our lives. As you find something to appreciate in your life, you feel better about your life. Every time you appreciate something and you feel good about it, you begin to open yourself to receive more of the things that you are grateful for.
Practicing gratitude in even the most troublesome of situations can open you to the energy to find your way to a better feeling. When you are in a state of gratitude your resistance to all that would make you feel good melts away. Even when the external conditions are less than ideal, you can put yourself in the position to find your way to a better feeling by appreciating what is working in your life.
I have also found another “small” reason to appreciate the joys in life. I would like to introduce Benji. He’s a mini golden mountain doodle and he’s pure love! Eventually, he’ll be making appearances in the office – he’s hypoallergenic and does not shed but please let me know if you have any concerns.
“When you fully appreciate everything as it is, without judgment, you may find yourself in awe of the brilliance and perfection that is your life.” – Dr. Julie Doobay
Copyright 2022 Dr. Julie Doobay
