gratitude

Embracing Reflection and Kindness as We Step Into a New Year

By 60plus&lovinglife December 31, 2023 0

As we stand on the threshold of a new year, it’s only natural to find ourselves in a reflective state, contemplating the journey we’ve traveled in the past twelve months. The highs and lows, the moments of triumph and the challenges overcome – each episode contributing to the rich tapestry of our lives.

This is a time for introspection, a time to look back at the person we were and consider how every experience has shaped us, molding us into a better version of ourselves.

Reflecting on the past year, I find myself acknowledging the highs with gratitude and approaching the lows with a newfound resilience.

Life, after all, is a series of lessons, and each triumph or stumble is an opportunity for growth. It’s through these experiences that we discover our strengths, understand our weaknesses, and emerge wiser and more compassionate.

As I bid farewell to the old and welcome the new, I am reminded of the incredible blessings that surround me. I am loved, not just by those close to me but by life itself, which presents opportunities for growth and connection in the most unexpected ways.

My beautiful family and friends, the anchors of my life, have been my unwavering support, sharing in the laughter and wiping away tears when needed.

Waking up each day with gratitude in my heart has become a ritual, a conscious choice to appreciate the simple joys that often go unnoticed. It’s about finding beauty in the mundane and recognizing that life’s true treasures lie in the relationships we nurture and the moments we share.

As I step into the new year, I carry with me the essence of loving kindness. It’s a mindset that extends beyond personal reflection, encouraging us to approach the world with empathy and compassion.

In a world where chaos can often overshadow goodness, choosing kindness becomes a revolutionary act. It’s a reminder that, despite our differences, we are all connected by our shared humanity.

In the coming year, let us strive to be a source of light and positivity for ourselves and others. Kindness is a currency that knows no bounds – it costs nothing, yet its impact is immeasurable.

A simple gesture, a kind word, or a thoughtful act has the power to brighten someone’s day and create a ripple effect of positivity.

So, here’s to the new year – a blank canvas awaiting the strokes of our experiences, lessons, and moments of kindness. May we embrace the opportunity to let go of the past, to forgive ourselves and others, and to look forward with a heart full of loving kindness.

Wishing each and every one of you a wonderful and happy 2024. May it be a year filled with growth, joy, and an abundance of kindness.

imagecredit:Hope_KlisaLange

Share this article

health and fitness

What are you grateful for in your life?

By 60plus&lovinglife May 11, 2023February 29, 2024 0

Gratitude is an interesting concept. It’s important to acknowledge what we have in life for which we can be grateful. Sometimes it’s challenging to find something. When life is testing you or presenting you with serious challenges you can lose sight of the good things.

I’ve had a rocky start to 2023. It began with a long-term relationship ending suddenly and abruptly. However, with time to reflect, I have realized it was one of the best things to happen. The person who removed themselves from my life was not good for me and given the things that happened shortly afterwards, I am deeply and sincerely grateful that they decided to end things. It has given me the space and time to reflect, move on and prioritize my own well-being.

In rapid succession I was diagnosed with breast cancer, then non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and a wee bout of Covid thrown into the mix! In the weirdest way I am grateful I found the lump in my breast and eventually got the surprising (and unwelcome) diagnosis of cancer. Because of that I had scans that picked up the non-Hodgkins.

If the other person had not decided to walk himself out of my life – I think my health would have been far worse as the stress and impact on my emotional and physical wellbeing would have been overly taxing!

As for my health journey, I am feeling fantastic. I have a team of medicos looking after me and I have a Naturopath for the complementary treatments and advice. I have tweaked my diet to be even healthier than ever, no alcohol, no refined sugar and exercise daily.

For me gratitude is important. Even if it’s just “hey, I woke up and here I am!” I am meditating daily and I have found that is so helpful in staying centred, calm and balanced emotionally.

What am I grateful for?

my daughter (she is my rock)
my sister (she is in touch daily and we share health updates and humour)
my body (it has allowed me to recover from surgery quickly and it is capable of so many things)
my dog (he is awesome!)
my job (it’s fun and I have the best colleagues)
my meditation app (Balance – check it out and no, I’m not paid to promote it)
My gym (I have literally the best trainers and gym buddies)
My friends (they know when to get in touch and when to let me get on with things)
My dance classes and teachers and dance friends (they are supportive and fun)
The place where I live (it is literally paradise on earth!)
Running (I love to get outdoors and go for a run, living near the river is a bonus!)
Hiking and getting out into the countryside (I find my emotional well-being is uplifted)
My medical team (I don’t always agree with them, but they are all fabulous in looking after me)
The amazing women and men I have met on this cancer journey (their strength and endurance astounds me, our gallows humour is the best!)
And you! All of you 🥰
I probably have many more things to be grateful for and I will add to the list when I think of them
Lastly, I would like to acknowledge gratitude to the man who walked out of my life at the beginning of the year, he did me a favour by leaving and for that I am deeply grateful. I wish him well in life (far, far away from me!😂)
.

What are you grateful for? Let me know 🥰

main image credit: Fernanda Festucci

Share this article

health and fitness

By 60plus&lovinglife November 14, 2022 0

What does gratitude look like to you?

Everyone talks about gratitude and how to include gratefulness into your everyday life. Whether that’s thinking of 5 things to be grateful for when you wake up or recalling 5 things from the day when you go to sleep. You can even buy a “gratitude journal” to record and review your thoughts.

I try to remember to incorporate thoughts of gratitude most days. Some days are easier. For example, when it’s a lovely sunny day or something goes well in my daily life or my dog looks at me in that cute, doggie way!

When I was younger the thought of gratitude was not high on my list. I had a lot of resentments about life. Why did my relationships always end (and often end badly), why couldn’t I hang on to someone? Why were my jobs so difficult? I had many great career opportunities in my mid life, but the early years were difficult, heck so were some of my career choices! I’ve also had my fair share of mean or bullying bosses and that can make your work life intolerable.

I often used to say to myself that if either my work life or my relationship life were ok, then I was fine. But if both fell apart, then life became overwhelming! There were times when both did spectacularly fall apart and I’d be left reeling.

At one point I went to see a psychologist to try and figure things out with some counselling. They said I was smart enough to figure things out for myself (really? then why was I in their office seeking help?) I got sent home with a bunch of articles and notes on books I should read. The one takeaway that I found of value was the concept of daily gratitude.

Initially it was a struggle to find things that invoked gratitude, but it did become easier over time. Although it is always easier if life is being reasonable! However, it is definitely worth it when life is complex and difficult.

Several years ago I was diagnosed with severe anxiety and that diagnosis actually helped a lot. It made sense of things and I finally understood that constant feeling of underlying dread and fear that has been a constant thread in my life. I try to maintain a “drama” free lifestyle and I prefer to not have people or situations in my life that create mayhem and havoc. Sometimes it is unavoidable and I have had people who are manipulative and controlling trying to have a negative impact on my life.

However, I am way better at identifying this behaviour from the get-go and that really changes my response. I create a safe space within my mind and my heart that allows me the distance needed to understand what is going on and to recognize that it is not about me, it’s about them! ❤️

Share this article

Tag Archives gratitude

What does gratitude look like to you?