A few brief thoughts today:
The truth is, I am a mess, and I’m walking through a messy time in life. But I think it’s time for a much needed mental shift. First of all, my friends and family are already well aware that I’m a mess.
Instead of apologizing for this all of the time, I’m going to start saying “thanks for loving me unconditionally” or “thanks for showing me such thoughtfulness”— replacing the negative phraseology of “I’m sorry I’m such a mess” with gratitude.
I say “I’m sorry” a lot in general.
(Especially for being late... always)
I’m going to try replacing all of these “sorrys”.
Instead of “I’m sorry I’m late”—
“Thank you for waiting for me.”
Instead of “I’m sorry to impose”—
“Thank you so much for taking your time to help me.”
I will be curious to see how this gratitude reframe might improve not only my own personal mindset, but my relationship with others. It’s taken me (over) thirty years to painfully learn this, but I know now that the relationship you have with yourself drastically will affect all others—
I’m going to make a conscious effort to root that in gratitude, and let others receive my gratitude where they once may have gleaned negativity.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us to “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
It’s not a suggestion; it’s a command.
The above reference has been one of my theme verses this year. The only problem being, I’ve taken its content as more of a suggestion than its intended command.
Our fullest lives involve daily, constant and intentional practice of gratitude in all circumstances.
List of things to practice gratitude for:
⁃ Everything (even the hard stuff).