Attitude of gratitude and compassion

I’m happy. I love my life. I wake up in the morning and can’t wait to start my day. I work with smart, savvy, high-achieving professionals and connect with some of the most brilliant individuals on the planet. I have a husband whom I love with all my heart and a fun, close-knit family and great friends. One of my favorite companies is “Life is Good” and I repeat the mantra all day long.

But last week I thought, enough is enough! Stop saying it. Stop telling everyone. There’s so much sadness and tragedy in the world. People don’t want to hear about how much you love life. And for goodness sake, don’t post it on facebook.

Then I realized I would be doing a disservice if I didn’t share my happiness. There was a long period in my life when I walked around stressed and anxious, afraid of the next phone call and dreading Monday morning (not that I enjoyed the weekend because there was always more work to do). Gummy bears and Swedish fish were my friends and they were available whenever I needed them – morning, noon and night. And they were so non-judgmental.

Sometimes I think about that time in my life and it doesn’t always make sense. Why would a well-educated, successful businesswoman in a job she loved, living in the greatest city in the world (I’m a biased New Yorker), not love life? And not value her life to the point that she would sabotage her health and well-being in an effort to “be more” and “achieve more” in life? The saying, “the grass is always greener on the other side,” is often used for a reason; we’re conditioned to want what someone else has. I was at the front of the that line – on the curb looking across the street with the burning desire to do whatever I needed to get to the greener grass (while eating sugar and drinking a diet coke for energy).

I’d get to the other side and still not feel satisfied. There was yet another street and more grass on the other side. I had to work harder and harder to keep getting to the greener grass. It got to the point where I had to make changes. I could no longer live in fear of the unknown and wishing and hoping that I would be “pretty enough” and “skinny enough” and “smart enough” like “everyone” else. And I certainly couldn’t continue eating gummy bears, Swedish fish, peppermint patties and SnackWell’s cookies and drinking diet coke.

This brings up another popular expression – which came first the chicken or the egg? Which came first – the stress or the pint of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream?

I’ve worked hard to build my self-esteem, to understand who I am and what I bring to the world and to appreciate others for their unique gifts and perspective. I continue to invest in myself and am proud to be mentored by very successful people who have also turned their lives around. It can be done. Believe me; the effort is well worth it.

I know that our journeys happen at different times. Not everyone is on the same trajectory. It is for this reason that I support various charities and philanthropic organizations. I am happy to “give back” and encourage others to visualize their goals and dreams and create a path to their version of fulfillment.

When I share my happiness, whether with my Bravo! Wellness community or the world at large on social media, I do it with a lot of love in my heart for everyone who has and continues to support my journey. Gratitude is behind every word. So is compassion. I want to reach out and touch all those who aren’t feeling their best, who may not feel worthy of success and love, and, like a fairy godmother, let them know they have the power within to be and achieve all that they desire in life.

Next Steps:

1. Keep a gratitude journal. Every day, write a least 3-5 things for which you are grateful.
   
2. Breathe and concentrate on living life in the present moment.
   
3. Notice if you find yourself turning to sugar and other comfort foods during stressful times.

These steps will support you to see your value in the world and to those around you. What could be more nourishing? Would it help you to talk about this? If you are concerned about your nutrition and lifestyle routines and know you want to do things differently so you can be your best every day, contact me or call 413-282-7286. At Bravo! Wellness, I work with my clients to create manageable lifestyle changes so they are able to achieve their greatest potential in life, health and business.