Practicing Gratitude

Credit | Gratitude | Maria Dryfhout via Shutterstock

 

Some days it’s difficult to feel particularly grateful. Today is one of those days. Let’s just say it’s frustrating to keep trying to do everything every day and do it well too without really getting what you expect. Or, even a breather. Sometimes I wonder if that’s too much to ask for?

 

Anyways.

 

I started the day with a sullen mood and am probably going to be so the entire day. But then I chanced upon one of my past gratitude posts. It made me recall the importance of gratitude in life and what it taught me in retrospect a few months ago. Hence, I’m going to try the 3 finger gratitude rule today. Who knows I might just feel a little better at the end of it?

 

August!

 

Well, August was just as hectic as any other month has been for me recently. Weekdays were a blur and weekends, well, those were about trying to get at least some respite. A constant battle to find time for myself continued as I went from one chore to the next. But let’s not delve on that as I don’t what to start ranting. It’s a gratitude post after all.

 

My sister

 

She steps in every time I need her to take care of M when S is away. I realise that I take this little sister of mine for granted all the time. Anytime I call her, she’s ready to come and help me. She is also doing all the things I’m doing for M and I won’t insult her by thanking her for that. Yes, because M is as much hers as mine. But yes, I’m grateful to have her as my sister. I wouldn’t want anyone else in her place. She is perfect and my little baby even today. I’m going to do something special soon to tell her she is still my first baby. I can’t thank my stars enough for having brought her into my life.

 

Work

 

Well, I’m currently working on a very hectic project with one of the key deliverables resting on my shoulders. And did I mention without any support? It’s stressful, no doubt but I’m learning a lot. The thing about being pushed into the sea without knowing how to swim is that you eventually start kicking to survive, reach the surface and stay afloat. Doesn’t matter then that you never knew how to. Maybe I’ll learn to drift through the rough waters of a demanding job after working in this. In a weird kind of a way, I’m grateful for that. It makes me want to do well, really well and I like this drive even if there are 100s of things I wish would change at work and even more vying for my attention.

 

Life!

 

Well, it would be rather vain of me if I didn’t feel grateful for all that I have. A family which is ready to listen to my almost non-stop complaints as I go about my daily chores. It’s a wonder they don’t shut me up. Well, no that’s not entirely true for they do sometimes shut me up but only for my own good. A daughter who loves me and showers me with kisses when I’m least expecting. Yes, even though she doesn’t give me a moments respite, I love that goof ball of mine. Truth is when you read or come across the sort of news you do every day, I can’t help but take a moment to thank the power above for giving me all that I have. And my family for giving me the life that I lead today.

 

“Gratitude works its magic by serving as an antidote to negative emotions. It’s like white blood cells for the soul, protecting us from cynicism, entitlement, anger, and resignation.”

― Arianna Huffington, Thrive

 

It’s strange how thinking about all that you have makes what you don’t seem so small or inconsequential. If not that at least they give you the push to keep fighting. And in all this, if somehow you are able to hold on to what is actually important in life, I think that’s something you must be grateful for.

 

“And every day, the world will drag you by the hand, yelling, “This is important! And this is important! And this is important! You need to worry about this! And this! And this!” And each day, it’s up to you to yank your hand back, put it on your heart and say, “No. This is what’s important.” —IAIN THOMAS”

― Arianna Huffington, Thrive

 

Well, that’s all from me for today.

 

Before you go, tell me 3 things off the top of your head which you are grateful for.

 

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gratitude-link-upJoining the Gratitude Circle Hosted by vidyasury.com

12 thoughts on “Practicing Gratitude”

  1. I’m grateful for the people in my life, and the things I have to read, write, and think about. And of course, things that I can eat ;). Gratitude is a practice of abundance, and the universe blesses it as such.

  2. I’m so glad to see this post. I’ve always been proud of the way you stand up and face things. Gratitude is amazing and it changes our perspective. Every single time. For me, the three things that make me happy are my health at the moment, my family and my writing/work. Big hugs for a lovely September too.

  3. So glad you wrote this gratitude post, Naba. As life looks crazy, when we pause and focus on the things that keep us afloat, we do feel better. And we are so blessed and privileged in so many ways. I never stop telling my children that and reiterate also to my own self.
    Rachna recently posted…#Gratitude This AugustMy Profile

  4. I’m grateful that I got to travel a lot this month. I got to relax and have a good time (after a very long time)
    And I also did a decent job giving a speech in front of an audience of over 1500 people so that felt good.

  5. I am grateful for TV because I was so angry yesterday that it saved me from the frustration. Some soothing music and good food I guess I am thankful for

  6. Gratitude for me as been a sanity leveller for me – its taken care of my mood swings and anger issues with people and family! Its made me a calmer person who now looks to listen than react often 😉
    So happy to note your positives too Naba; a close support circle is so so cherished and we are lucky enough to have it!! Many joys to you 🙂
    SHALINI BAISIWALA recently posted…My selfie love [ #Guestpost]My Profile

  7. Gratitude is like the icing on a cake… Makes out life more wonderful. I am grateful for an amazing birthday bash this week. The support I get for my work and a child who showers me with love:)
    Inderpreet recently posted…The Untold StoryMy Profile

  8. Sisters are a real blessing, aren’t they? I have a couple of cousins who are my pillars of support and I feel lucky I have such amazing women in my life!
    And, of course, there’s the family, the spouse, the friends and our work…blessings for life!
    Shilpa Gupte recently posted…My Gratitude Post for August 2017.My Profile

  9. Gratitude posts makes you realize how rich you actually are. I’m glad you had a very good August.

    In August, I was thankful for my work, my books and my travel. That’s all it takes to make me happy 🙂
    Soumya recently posted…The Hills Are CallingMy Profile

  10. My list is identical to yours Naba – my sister is first – even thought we are in different cities she’s a huge huge support. And there’s work – not as challenging as yours, nor as demanding but I’m grateful nonetheless and also family and children.
    Obsessivemom recently posted…Walks and conversationsMy Profile

  11. Oh Naba, that made me smile to read… yes, I do the same exercise when I feel low… thinking about what I am grateful for always helps….. Right now I feel happy I got into the blogging again after many months off, and happy I read your post…. The quote on just how you “take your hand back, put it on your heart and decides what is important in life— I really liked. Empowering, because after all, we can make many choices ourselves cant we. I am grateful for the people in my life, and for being free to make my own choices without anyone bossing me around. Wonderful post:-)
    Eli recently posted…Moments flashing byMy Profile

  12. I like how ultimately you were grateful for all the things life has bestowed you with. We all should be.
    As for me, the three things I am grateful for is- My family which now includes my husband, my best friend and yes my work.

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