At the start of 2023 I began my new job. Following shortly after was the birth of my daughter, my first child. I was involved in a near death experience for the first time to, when my car suddenly caught fire and was seconds away from blowing up as I hurriedly escaped. And the penultimate day of the year saw me do something I had never thought possible. Purchase my dream car outright.
Work, relationships, finance. A big tick in each box. I never thought possible to be where I am in life now.
And without sounding pretentious, with one hand I gave myself a pat on the back. With the other I held my daughter, giving her a kiss on her rosy cheek right on 31st December 2023 at 23.59, welcoming the new year ahead.
Gazing together upon a lit sky of festivities and fireworks. And upon the ethereal glow of the stars, a boundless expanse of a cosmic symphony. Foretelling of an eternal joy meant for me, as if written in the celestial notes of the stars themselves. I knew in this moment that this eternal joy was indeed my baby girl. The warmth of her hug filled me with tears of happiness, as a lightness fell over me – gratitude.
Gratitude is veiled within the cloth of reflection, and within the inner-self lies a state of awe.
Scientific research within biological effects of awe concludes that emotions of awe and veneration reduces inflammation, stress, and anxiety.
Awe is an ineffable emotion existing within a world where words simply cannot go.
The first time I saw my daughter; seconds after she was born, I felt the thirst of my eyes had been quenched. As though I had been in search of something all my life up until that moment. And often the feeling of awe comforts me when I look at her, as if she is growing-up within the security of my gaze.
Day by day, I’m learning to embrace the smaller things in life. My red coffee cup, my scenic route to work, my fruit salad at lunch. Tesco Greek Yogurt in the mix is a game changer, sprinkled with some granola! I digress. My cosy spot on the sofa whilst watching a tv show, and my sweet treat after dinner to complete the meal.
Gratitude is a choice – just like happiness. I can choose to be grateful or not. One choice is far better for my overall health. No points to guess which one. If so obviously obvious, why is it then becoming absent as opposed to abundant in our lives?
Arthur C. Brooks is a Harvard Professor and specialises in the science of happiness. He notes that happiness has been in decline since over the last 30 years. This is due to how fast paced societies in general have become.
Yet all it takes is a moment. For even your smile is an act of charity for others to benefit from.
Last night before going to bed I closed my eyes and visualised all the things I am grateful for. To be honest, not much came to mind first. However, once I started to write my foggy thoughts, the words began to flow like water. After a minute of writing, I immediately felt like a weight had been lifted. I felt refreshed and energised.
Gratitude allows for optimism and invites opportunities for what is ahead. For what is meant for you will never miss you and what missed you was never meant for you. It is with this approach that you can begin to set your goals once your foundation is known.
With an attitude of gratitude, the rest will come with ease.
I dedicate this post to a fellow smileyape, Georgia 😊 Your patience has been a source of inspiration to haste this tale of weave.