Howdy peeps!
I was in yoga class the other day and the instructor spent a good deal of time talking about gratitude. Specifically how simply approaching life from a place of gratitude can transform your life.
I'm sure it's not the first time you've heard that... me either. BUT it is something that stopped me in my tracks that day and has helped me reassess my way of thinking for the past few weeks.
I mentioned to you guys several times that the end of the year and beginning of 2017 was challenging for me. There were some things that happened that were beyond my control that left me thinking far more negative thoughts than positive. I don't want to trudge through details because I like to keep this space positive... but life was hard and in some ways it still is. I'm 100% certain each of you could tell me about times in your life where you have felt that way too. It doesn't matter exactly what the problems are... we all have them.
After that class I started to approach my days with more gratitude. Instead of focusing on the garbage in life... I flipped my thinking which is the one thing I can control.
Instead of rushing around today... I'm grateful for sunshine.
Instead of being stressed about packing... I'm grateful for such amazing travel opportunities.
Instead of cursing the rain... I'm grateful for having a treadmill to be able to run in my dry house.
Instead of getting tired of cooking dinner... I'm grateful I have such healthy food to eat and know how to prepare it well.
Instead of getting frustrated about a cereal bowl being left out... I'm grateful for a loving husband who is my partner in everything I do.
Gratitude can even be as simple as being grateful for clean water, heat, warm clothes, your family or even your favorite meal. I know this isn't the most original thought in the world, but it's something that can so easily get lost in the hustle. A small amount of mindfulness can bring it back into focus.
If you are struggling... I just wanted to share this small reminder because it helped me so much. We all have crappy, dark days, including me. I know it seems like I do on this blog, but I don't always remember to be joyful. I'm human. However, if I'm lucky gratitude transforms the way I handle it.
Gratitude can turn mundane jobs into joy and everyday stuff into blessings. It really can make your life better. I had gotten a little side tracked... but I'm glad I found my way again.
[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent="yes" overflow="visible"][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" background_position="left top" background_color="" border_size="" border_color="" border_style="solid" spacing="yes" background_image="" background_repeat="no-repeat" padding="" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" class="" id="" animation_type="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="no" center_content="no" min_height="none"]Get inspired... How Gratitude Can Transform Your Life #mindfulness #healthyliving Share on X
Thanks for letting me share this little message today! If it inspired you, please share this image to your favorite Pinterest board.
What are you grateful for?
How can you flip something that's been bothering you into gratitude?[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
William N. Lott says
I am always grateful for each day God gives me. The post is very interesting. Thanks for sharing!
Chau says
Thank you so much for this article! Totally agree with what you have shared. I always remind myself about gratitude. It helps us appreciate the most little things.
JulieWunder says
I'm so glad it helped! Great to see you here today.
kimmythevegan says
This is a wonderful post, Julie. I am really feeling the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder and sinking into depression and this is just what I needed to read. I have so much to be grateful for, it's nice to have a reminder.
I have a hard time picturing you being anything but joyful, you always are so positive and upbeat on your blog - but we're all human and we all have good and bad days.
ps. Love that picture of you in the sunflower! Gorgeous!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Kimmy! Winter really gets to me too. This year it hasn't been that cold, and I've been outside a lot so it hasn't been bad. I'm glad it's almost spring!
Sana says
I am so grateful for my relationship, health and family. Thank you for this beautiful post. And for the reminder that I need to get my butt to yoga!
JulieWunder says
It's so inspiring.
Mary Ellen @ VNutrition says
This is such a wonderful reminder of how to and why we should be grateful every day, Julie. Your words really hit home. We've all had our struggles so I'm going to save this post for the times I need to be reminded of what a positive force gratitude is.
I appreciate you always being so honest in your posts. I'm grateful to have found your wonderful blog! <3
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much! I'm so glad it helped.
Kristy from Southern In Law says
Gratitude is so so important!
I always tell jesse "gratitude is a matter of attitude" because there is ALWAYS something to be grateful for - and when you think about what you have to be grateful for, your whole perspective changes!
JulieWunder says
It is!! Such a fun saying.
Jamie@TheMomGene says
"Gratitude can turn mundane jobs into joy and everyday stuff into blessings" This is so true...it really can be a simple mindset switch and live can feel easier or we can breathe easier with what comes out way. I can always tell when I need a reset.
JulieWunder says
Me too! I know it, but I get lost sometimes.
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
Thank you for this reminder, Julie! It's so easy to get caught up in the stresses of life and jump on the complaining train. I hope to keep this post in mind as I go throughout my week 🙂
JulieWunder says
I'm so glad!!
Cailee says
Gratitude is everything!!! I completely agree babe! It can totally change your life!! Love this!
xoxo Cailee!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Cailee!
Blane Sherer says
Perspective can be everything.
Glad you shared your gratitude experience.
JulieWunder says
It can be everything! Thanks Blane.
Edye says
Being grateful is so important! Taking the time to realize all God's blessed us with is such a beautiful thing <3
JulieWunder says
He did! He created such a beautiful world.
Melissa says
I'm with you on having some less-than-ideal times at the end of last year/beginning of this year. I think this year has been hard on a lot of people for so many different reasons. It's nice to step back and remember what's really important and that despite challenges, we all have it pretty good most of the time.
JulieWunder says
It is... life is so magnificently beautiful and then so very hard. We just have to find a way to enjoy the ride.
Daniel says
Great post, Julie! It's so easy to take things for granted and this is a timely reminder to be grateful for what we do have 🙂
JulieWunder says
So true. Thanks Daniel.
Annmarie says
I have realized lately that I am SO much happier when I take the time to stop and appreciate the little things in life!
JulieWunder says
Me too. It's so easy to get off track.
Tina@GottaRunNow says
I try to think of 3 things to be grateful for daily... Today I'm especially thankful for my bike, the park where I ride/run and audio books that I listen to while I exercise. Have a great day!
JulieWunder says
Such a good way to keep it in your mind!
Chelle says
I would like to express my gratitude to YOU, Julie. It is with the utmost appreciation that I thank you for this website, for being so willing to give of yourself to so many of us that you will never meet (but will always know!), and for reminding me of the positive and precious things life has to offer. Way to go!!
JulieWunder says
Wow! Thanks so much Chelle! That means the world to me. 🙂
heather @Lunging Through Life says
Yes! Positivity and gratitude can completely switch a person's mindset. It's easy to fall into that negativity instead of working for positivity but it really is needed. I love your list and love that your yoga teacher reminded you of gratitude. I am so grateful to have a husband who works so hard for us, instead of complaining when he works late (whoops!)
JulieWunder says
Oh I know!! It's easy to think that way. I do it too (as he's working right now.... :0)
Emily says
AMEN! Giving thanks always is sometimes so tough, when you can barely see through the clouds, but I'm grateful for life, life in Christ and that He never leaves me.
JulieWunder says
Me too! Thanks Emily!
Patricia @Sweet and Strong says
These are such great reminders! My husband is always trying to remind me to focus on the positive and he always says 'drive the energy bus'. I would love to start taking a few minutes every morning to think about the things I'm thankful for.
JulieWunder says
Now that sounds like coach talk to me!! lol!
Jen @ pretty little grub says
I always try and refocus on the positive when I have negative thoughts, it definitely makes a huge impact in your mood and overall sense of being.
JulieWunder says
so true. Thanks so much Jen.
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
This is great! We could all benefit from being a little more grateful everyday
JulieWunder says
So true. Thanks Deborah!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
I can see how people could get caught up in self-pity! But it's all about changing the way you think.
JulieWunder says
You know that all too well!
Sommer Collier says
So true, Julie! I think real joy comes from a place a gratitude. Without it, we are never truly happy. Thanks for the reminder! 🙂
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much Sommmer!! Let's pick a time to do tea soon!
Gail Bell says
Thank you Julie.
Kimberly G says
I love this. I think it's easy to get frustrated or to make small problems into bigger program. We must always remember to be grateful for everything that we have.
Judy Crowder says
Thank you! I really needed to "hear" this. Made my morning a bit brighter.
lacey@fairytalesandfitness says
We can getso frustrated w our everyday lives and trying to balance it all out that sometimes we just have to focus on a positive instead of negatives all the time. Let's face it, work stinks at times but we should be grateful for having a job so we can contribute to family and we can't forget all those vacations we all love to take. That wouldn't be possible without a job.
Susie @ Suzlyfe says
A fantastic message for wendesday, and everyday. Perspective and gratitude are so important! I may have a chronic illness, but I am grateful for the support of my loved ones and the insurance and medications that allow me to stay healthy!
Mary Beth Jackson says
great message to start the day off with! Thank you! Have a great day!