Appreciation April
This month has a lot of meaning for me. It is the month I was born and the name written on my heart. So, what better month to show a little appreciation?
Fun fact did you know that individuals who regularly practice gratitude are more likely to feel more alive, now tell me you don’t want a piece of that!?
In all seriousness though, through gratitude we can learn and grow tremendously. The benefits of incorporating gratitude into your daily routine are numerous. Not only will you begin to feel more alive, but you will experience deep connections with others, with nature and all that surrounds you.
By taking the time to notice and most importantly reflect on the things that you are grateful for, it will enable you to bring the light of love into your daily life. This will change the vibration of your energy. When your vibration is higher you will begin to experience more positive emotions and show more humility and kindness towards others.
If this is not enough to get you practicing gratitude, then here are a couple of other perks. People who regularly practice gratitude experience better sleep and have stronger immune systems. Mind blowing stuff I know!
So I get asked this question a lot “but what is there to be grateful for”. I really struggle with this question! I’m guessing when people ask me this what they are really asking is “but big things to be grateful for don’t happen every day” my answer…..be thankful for the little things too. In truth I think being grateful for the little things is actually more important.
Ok story time, a few years ago my sister and I were on holiday. We were having one of those big meaningful conversations about what do you want to achieve in life etc, etc. She was reeling off all these things she wanted to achieve so she wouldn’t “have regrets on her deathbed”. Then it was my turn. I said, “I want to live a happy and healthy life”. She was stunned to say the least. She was looking at me like I had two heads. I realised from the expression on her face I needed to elaborate. I explained that people wish for these BIG moments and wonderful THINGS but when they achieve them they are happy in that moment then its forgotten about and they move onto WANTING the next BIG THING. This leads to constant longing, leaving us unappreciative of all that we do have and unhappiness.
Appreciation April
Then she gave me the best compliment I have ever received (and to this day I am still deeply grateful for it) she said “You are so good at just being happy with what you have. I wish I could be like that”. Firstly thank you, secondly its all down to gratitude, for the little things and the big things too. But because I am grateful for the little things I have more appreciation for the big things.
Don’t get me wrong like everyone else I like big things to happen too but like I said they don’t happen every day. However, I do have a roof over my head today, I do have food on my table today, I do have clean water today, I do have loved ones beside me today. I am listing these as little things because most of us don’t even notice them or appreciate them on a daily basis, but I now actually see them as big things and this is an example of how practicing gratitude can change your perspective. Each day something good DOES happen to be grateful for, you just need to open your eyes to the blessings that surround you.
May you find joy and contentment in the little things this April.
Peace, love and harmony
Reiki Rach
If you would like to know more about what we do, why and how we can help. Come and join us on our next Day of Healing at Crosby library 10-2pm.
https://www.sefton.gov.uk/schools-learning/libraries/your-local-library/crosby-library/