inside this tool...
When I was a teenager, I thought I'd find happiness if I was part of the cool kids group. When I found myself part of this exclusive club, I realized I didn't fit in and had to look for happiness elsewhere.
In college I thought, "When I finally get done with school, I'm going to be so happy!" Then real life began.
After I found my incredible husband after two other failed attempts at marriage, I was ecstatic–until I took on a job that sucked the life out of me.
Sure, there were happy moments throughout all the struggles of life up to that point, but I think I was wanting to wake up one day and feel like I'd been bestowed a great life (little did I realize at the time, I already had). I wanted to feel like I had enough, was enough, and had done enough.
One day in the middle of a months long period of depression, I was out in the yard and noticed a tiny pink flower no bigger than my pinky fingernail growing in the lawn. This little flower sparked a moment of pure joy inside my heart even amidst my deep sorrow at the time. I realized then the power of appreciation.
Even more surprising is how it has the ability to shift the tone of a conversation. If you find yourself feeling frustrated or angry with someone, try appreciating them for a moment or two. Notice something pleasing about the way they look or how hard they are trying or how unique they are or how focused they are at thins time (even if it is on something you totally disagree with - how amazing to be able to be so focused).
When you shift to a viewpoint of appreciation, something magical happens.
Feeling discouraged? Try listing ten things you appreciate about yourself right now. Feeling down in the dumps? Take a walk and look for cool things in nature.
There are countless ways appreciation can make your world a little brighter, a little lighter, a little happier. You simply have to remember it is a versatile tool in your tool box of "how to live my life well" and you have to choose to pick it up and use it.
Try making this your tool of choice this week. I'd love to hear how it goes for you.
P.S. In case I haven't said it lately, I appreciate you. I mean, how cool is it that each week I get the opportunity to share what's made and is making my life such a sweet journey. Thank you. 💗 Julie
There are SO many things to appreciate about me!
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