THE POWER OF GRATITUDE

The same time of every year a male bird would perch in a tree next to my bedroom window. His powerful, pointy beak would relentlessly bang on the window at the crack of dawn.

As if that wasn't enough, he would move two inches away from the window and then with all of his strength he would barrel full force ahead, in my opinion, trying to break through the glass.

I finally researched what could possibly be his intentions. It seems that the reflection of the glass would create an illusion making the bird think that another male bird was trying to take his territory.

No matter what the purpose, it was incredibly annoying to me at the time and year after year, day after day, and for several weeks at a time, he would wake me up an hour or more before my alarm clock was set to go off.

I found myself waking in a horrible mood, with my first waking thoughts being that of annoyance.

Back then, I was frustrated, angry, resentful, bitter, ugly, I can go on and on about my demeanor and behavior but let's just say those were my darkest days.

Each day presented its own tests and challenges many of which, I failed miserably.

Constantly stressing over the days to come, future events that may or may not happen, recounting the painful betrayals of those who hurt me, reliving instances of a complete stranger cutting me off in traffic, was my pre-bed time routine.

So before the male bird and myself even started our morning, I was already stewing over these negative situations. How is that possible if I was asleep?

I'm glad you asked. While we are asleep, our subconscious (below consciousness) is the part of the mind of which one is not fully aware but which influences one's actions and feelings.

Whatever we think about during the day but most importantly before we drift off to sleep, our subconscious mind stews over while our conscious mind sleeps. Upon waking, I was already in a deficit.

The bird banging into the window was not the start of my day. The stresses throughout the day that I held onto, the depression darkening my heart (thinking about the past), the anxiety that gripped me (worrying about the future), created a "rain cloud" that hung over my head as soon as my eyes opened each morning.

Until one day I laid on my bedroom floor in a fetal position and cried out to the Lord. I remember the overwhelming feelings that I had and I said to myself I HAVE TO CHANGE and I have to start right now. I barely recognized the person that I was.

It was that decision that catapulted me to where I am today. It is my pleasure to share with you steps on how I successful got to a life that I thoroughly enjoy.

I can confidently say that each second, every minute, of every day, week upon week, and year after year, I love my life.

The things that easily annoyed me then are now gifts from nature. The same bird that I blamed for a rude awakening is the bird that I look forward to hearing each morning.

That "rain cloud" then is refreshing to me now. When it rains, I sincerely say "the rain is God's gift to me." When times are tough, and trust me they still can be, it is my attitude that "makes or breaks" me.

Being appreciative, grateful, thankful, truly loving every thing and every body is the blueprint to success.

Even the person who cuts me off in traffic gives me an invaluable lesson of patience. So yes, I am even appreciative for him.

Applying simple, easily attainable, uncomplicated steps prior to falling asleep will begin this transformation.

At least an hour before going to sleep, be extremely mindful of what you are allowing into your subconscious. There are countless apps that can assist you with relaxing your mind.

I use a dry-brush technique before I shower each night. Dry brushing provides various health benefits to our bodies and with that I apply a different technique of "brushing" off my day. I say to myself, "I am appreciative of today and tomorrow I am confident I will do better."

Try not to think about all of the problems that you face or faced throughout the day, all of the mistakes you made or the mistakes that others made. Begin a nightly routine of "shaking off your day."

When your eyes begin to open, think about the things that make you smile. Start your morning with gratitude even if it's appreciation for the simplest things and watch how incredible your days will be.

I have a color system put in place to help me focus when subpar situations arise. Starting with my favorite color followed by the most important thing to me:

Iridescent - God; gold - my children; silver - family & friends; blue - nature etc.

Using this color system, I focus on a specific color to help me calm down. (Side note: if my kids are the reason for me being upset, I certainly don't focus on gold lol)

Turning on the sound of rain before I drift off to sleep helps calm me. Certain fragrances make me happy.

Throughout the day, taking 10 seconds or so closing my eyes or taking several deep breaths in (inhaling through my nose and holding it for as long as I can before exhaling through my mouth) seem to help.

My goal in this article is to share with you steps on how I overcame negativity that I allowed to ruin my days.

I am well aware that some may experience more severe depression and/or anxiety. If you or someone you know needs a listening ear or professional help, please seek help from a medical professional.

Utilizing some of the techniques outlined in this article, do you think making slight adjustments to your daily life will help?

You are valuable. You are an asset. You matter. Never give up. You are stronger than you think.

YOU ARE DESIGNED TO REIGN IN LIFE

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