It has been no more than 30 days since I had a big scare when my youngest son, Alejandro, had to be treated in the emergency room, 12 hours after I realized that he had swallowed an Apple Tag. Thank God, the doctors were able to get him out without any health consequences, leaving this event as another story to tell and learn from. I am thankful for my finely tuned instinct that life has given me, for the doctors who attended the emergency, for my husband who took the first flight home prematurely, for the resources that allowed me to run out and find help, for my oldest son for his words of encouragement when he saw me in distress....
From the bottom of my heart, I feel that this stressful experience brought into my life an invitation to be part of a group of 13 women to be part of a social activity with the JuanFe Foundation in Cartagena, Colombia, which I accepted without thinking twice. I didn't have many details of what was scheduled, I didn't know anyone, but I trusted blindly in those who were organizing the activity. It was something strange, because normally I like to be in control of the situation and this time it was different and I let things flow to let myself be surprised. I just knew that I was going to impact a very needy population of teenage mothers, that I should wear comfortable clothes so I could be cool and go light. The main objective of the trip, I had it clear, to go to serve as a gesture of gratitude for what I am and for what I have and live every day.
Cultivating gratitude not only enriches your own life, but also the lives of those around you.
They were 4 days immersed in a socioeconomic reality very hard for the soul and difficult to accept, where inequality, violence, pain and at the same time the ability to forgive, hope and the desire to overcome are evident. A life lesson for me, a jolt, a mirror. Four days were enough to go from being a group of unknown women to feeling like sisters. Four days in which the word "thank you", hugs, tears and laughter were present without misery. Four days in which, despite the physical and mental exhaustion of the long days, the energy was always at its peak, ready to continue giving and receiving as if there was no tomorrow. I don't remember ever having felt this feeling in my life, of being so in tune with gratitude since the day I made the payment and bought the ticket for the trip.
The energy that flows in my body after living this experience is different, stronger and more positive, full of hope, where my mind and my heart are still decanting the emotions lived. I could affirm that the gratitude I gave and received in these days was so strong, organic and permanent, that it managed to change the chemistry of my brain and my body. I not only see optimism, but also action to continue doing what corresponds to me from each of the roles I have in this life. It is undeniable that each of us experiences challenging days and situations beyond our control. At times, we go through stages marked by uncertainty and discomfort due to various events. Although these moments can hinder our ability to recognize and appreciate the positive in our lives, it is essential to remember the importance of cultivating gratitude in our daily lives.
How to practice gratitude and appreciation?
Cultivating gratitude and apreciation in your life can be a beacon of light in difficult times as well as a way to celebrate victories. Here are some simple and effective practices that can transform your perspective and foster an attitude of appreciation and optimism in your daily life.
Keep a gratitude journal: Take a few minutes each day to write down a few things you are grateful for. They can be small or big things, such as the support of a friend, the beauty of nature or even something as simple as enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning.
Express gratitude to others: Take the time to thank the people around you, whether it's family, friends, colleagues or strangers. Expressing gratitude can strengthen your relationships and create a positive environment around you.
Practice daily reflection: Take a moment each day to reflect on the positive and negative things that happened during the day. Recognize at least three moments and take a learning from each one.
Change your focus: Instead of focusing on what you lack, concentrate on what you have, appreciate what is present in your life.
Do acts of kindness: Perform acts of kindness toward others without expecting anything in return. Generosity and selfless help can generate deep feelings of gratitude.
Visualize your blessings: Take a moment every day to mentally visualize the things you are grateful for. Imagine what your life would be like without those things and consider how lucky you are to have them in your life.
Be aware of the present moment: Practice mindfulness and focus on the present moment. Appreciate the little things around you, such as the scent of flowers, the sound of the rain or the warmth of the sun.
In my journey through being grateful and appreciative, I have learned that these simple practices can have a profound impact on your life. Gratitude is not only an emotion, but an attitude that you can cultivate. When you live from a place of gratitude, you not only improve your mental, physical and emotional health, but you also positively influence those around you.
I invite you to practice gratitude and appreciation in your daily life. Remember that even on the most challenging days, there are reasons to be grateful. Life provides us with lessons, opportunities and special moments, and it all begins with the simple act of saying "thank you".
This article touched my heart, I believe in the power of words and small actions and the impact that these can do to others but when it comes to myself this is a good reminder to pause, see what I have around me, and appreciate it more. I love the 7 ways on how to practice gratitude and how simple but yet meaningful these are! Beautiful experience 💗