For every complaint that I have, I also have something to be grateful for, but it’s so much easier to complain than to express what we are happy about when we are with friends.
This has really been pulling on my heart when it comes to my relationship. I love my partner so much, and he has so many wonderful qualities. He takes are of me when I’m sick, he can make me laugh even when I am in a terrible mood, he is an excellent cat dad, and gives the best hugs. I know these things about him, but find myself bitching about his socks being left on the floor, or about chores that didn’t get done. This is one area that I can improve in when it comes to being grateful.
I have an amazing job, I work for an amazing family, but I had to take a pay cut in order to do so. I no longer work up to 5 jobs at a time to make ends meet, but my income is significantly less than it was. This means that I have to give up some indulgences and plan ahead more when it comes to purchasing anything at all, even groceries. I have found that since I love my job so much; I am good at being grateful for what I do have and working consistent hours has allowed me to get back on stage.
I have recently been working on journaling more. I start with a bullet list of a few things that I am grateful for and then write about whatever else is on my mind for a few minutes. Sometimes this is just about my day and other times it’s about deeper thoughts.
It’s hard for me to sit and focus on this daily…especially on weekends, so I have been taking time while the kid I watch naps to do this. This morning that meant writing about my whole weekend.
I found that starting with the gratitude helps me to log the happier moments in my journal vs the things that made me upset or uncomfortable. This will be helpful when I look back at things, as I’ll have the happy moments documented and be able to leave the negative crap in the past.
I started this post back in November and never finished it, and the first 2 paragraphs still ring true. I’m a work in progress, but I’m improving on focusing on the positive, and not letting others drag me down.
Talking Life with Alyssa 