Back when 2020 began, I wrote an article for you ladies called “Here’s to a New Decade, New You, New Journey!” We were excited for 2020 to start, may have been starting new positive practices, and ready to conquer our autoimmune diseases this year in a new light. Though this year is going NOTHING like what was probably planned, that doesn’t mean your gratitude practices that you may have started in January should fall short.
I am guilty of letting my practices slide during COVID-19 and quarantine, starting my new job, and moving across the country. BUT, driving across the country opened up my eyes so much; I was in awe. We have so much to be grateful for and this little re-realization made me feel guilty that I put my pen down at night and let myself slack. I know this is an extreme scenario, but sometimes you just need a moment of enlightenment to give you the boost you need to keep your practice going. So how can we keep them going even during such uncertain times?
- Take time for yourself to reflect. Yes, a 10 day journey across the country is a little extreme and not possible for most, but take an afternoon to yourself. Go to an area of town you don’t always go to, or find a cool nature spot to help adjust your mindset and give yourself a moment of clarity.
- Remember that autoimmune disease you have? Being home all the time can sometimes put a damper on your healing progress. Be grateful and mindful of where you are and set the stage for how you want the rest of the year to go. Are you going to start a new healing routine? Have you been keeping up with the latest research in your autoimmune community? Now’s the time!
- Jumpstart your meditation practice. If your meditation time has fallen to the wayside, now’s the perfect time to get that going again! Make it part of your routine each night before bed. Even if your mind races (like mine does all the time!), it’s better than no meditation practice at all!
- Pick up that pen! Remember that pen I said I put down? Well I’ve picked it back up because there is just so much to be grateful for even during these uncertain times! If you’ve fallen off writing 1 thing you are grateful for each day, continue on with a reflection paragraph up to now. Even though you stopped writing day to day, I’m sure you can think of a multitude of things that you’ve been grateful for. Make it a point to continue your daily gratitude journal starting now!
- Start a gratitude practice. If you haven’t started a gratitude practice, there is no better time than now! Check out Nathalie’s article on more ways to cultivate gratitude and joy to get some inspiration!
I hope this jumpstarts your gratitude practices! There is no right or wrong time to begin a gratitude practice, the hardest part is just starting one. Here’s to hoping the rest of 2020 brings some joy and gratitude to each and everyone of you beautiful ladies!
Kelsey
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