Steph's Ripples

It's so easy to get caught in the daily setbacks of life that we forget about all the things we're blessed with. This is something I have to remind myself of constantly- of all the things I already have, of all the blessings I've been bestowed, of all the amazing things that have been put on my way. It's easy to forget, so very often and instead, focus on what's not happening. I found that when we think of all the good in our lives and are filled with a grateful heart, it gives meaning to our lives. There's always more than what appears on the surface.  This is a reminder to always think about what you have now. Use them. Do good with them. Life is an exchange of good. 

This is a reminder that we should be always be grateful, especially during tough times. Practicing gratitude keeps you grounded. My perspective has completely changed when I started to purposely list and think of things I'm thankful for. Over time, it came to me almost naturally. You begin to notice the little things. You begin to see beauty around you. You begin to appreciate what is. . In gratitude, there is no judgement. There is only us at the level of being. Gratitude makes us feel whole when we are shaken up. It keeps us centered and helps us to move forward.  My gratitude journey started with writing 3 things I'm grateful for after waking up. I have a special notebook. After I ran out of pages, I stopped. It had already became ingrained in me and I'm so grateful for such an uplifting experience. 

A few events happened recently that reminded me of the importance of appreciating the simple things. Breathing in fresh air (as compared to polluted and toxic air). Eating a proper meal (rather than junk or ready-made meals). Enjoying nature (instead of getting lost in the usual surroundings). When you take time to appreciate and be grateful, it feels like nothing else matter. All the busyness, the worries, the stress of daily life seem to fade away. It's like there's something so much greater than our life. Saying thank you can be such a reliever. This can be to everything and nothing in particular. Thank  the morning, thank your cup of tea, thank the lovely lady who engage in conversation with you. I feel like this simple gesture connects us back to the world. 

As this year comes to a close, I believe the most rewarding action to take is to list down all the things you are grateful for. It will be a gateway to reflect on all that happened during the year. It'll be an opportunity to unwind and see all the blessings you received. Sometimes what appears to be challenging and undesirable turned out to be a learning curve.  This is the time to be reminded of all the lessons learnt. Life has so much to teach us, but all lessons are learnt within and kept inside. Be aware that we have all that we need at any given time. I'm grateful for 2017 and all that it came with. Count your blessings.

One of the most beautiful thing I experienced this year is the power of gratitude. I have always been one to thank life when things go right or work out. However, I wouldn't do it daily. It would occur to me,  but it hasn't been a routine of mine. This year I discovered this daily habit ans I decided to incorporate it into my life. For some unknown reasons, I'd always feel compelled to give grace. I was not aware then that gratitude has healing powers. I only did it because it felt right. When you thank, you are filled with love. It help us to love ourselves, love life. When we are being appreciative, we embrace life. There's nothing to hide. Practice gratitude. Life is too short to not see what is in front of us.

We spend far too much time worrying about small things. We waste our life by not living. We are not living when we: Compare Resist Deny Judge Complain Refuse to be kind Act unrespectfully  Do not follow our heart We have a high propensity to be negative. Negativity can only be associated with unhappiness and pain. Remember we have only one life and our life on Earth is limited. Make everyday count. Live every day as if it is your last. I don't want to sound pessimistic but realise that your life will be so much more rewarding if you have a purpose in life, are kind and practise gratitude. Life is meant to be lived. Be open to the beauty of each and every day.