All the Gratitude
Cue the tears! It is nearly impossible for me to start talking about gratitude for the year without getting a little (or a lot) teary-eyed. Before we get to that, I want to say how powerful practicing gratitude is. Either for yourself, or others, gratitude is a reflection of the things you might otherwise take for granted, but you’re thankful to have in your life. To take a step back and say that you’re thankful for something puts out so much positivity into the universe. It’s an incredible tool you have to create change, be happy, and focus on the good in your life. In Chinese medicine, it circulates the heart qi (or energy) which leads to JOY!
I look back at the last year with absolute awe and amazement. My heart qi has been blown through the roof! To have so many personal dreams come true in a year, is a flat-out miracle. From marrying my best friend, buying our first home together, making it ours, to taking some awesome trips, getting chickens to take care of, maintaining a busy practice, is absolute insanity! Looking back, it makes my heart sing and there’s no better feeling in the world. All made possible by our willingness to grow and change together, to forge our own path with our own timing, understand and be grateful for the process, and to be thankful for everyone who has helped me (and us) get to where we are today. (And yes, I’m still crying)!
My husband and I have started having a “pit and peak” conversation on most nights of the week which allows us to unload the worst part of our day and also talk about the best! It’s another way to practice gratitude; recognizing the challenges we face and knowing if not for those, our successes wouldn’t be as sweet.
Writing “thank you’s” and other little notes are another one of my favorite ways to express gratitude to people. We’re slowly making our way through our list of incredible peeps who helped us celebrate our wedding and it’s very fulfilling. There’s nothing better than a handwritten letter to someone, telling them how much you love and appreciate them. I find myself doing this more and more for people, even for the smallest thing, because it spreads love. You can translate this to gratitude for yourself by setting out positive intentions or affirmations to read to yourself daily. If you need a list- we’ve got one! Make sure you ask us next time you’re in for a tune up.
I had a teacher in acupuncture school that used to say “if you’re having a bad day, go treat a patient” and he was absolutely right. There is nothing better for my soul than to help all of YOU! My patients. I am so grateful to all of you for trusting me (and the rest of the Alpenglow/CRT team) with your health care. Without you, our dream of a successful acupuncture practice wouldn’t be thriving and so for that, THANK YOU!
What are you thankful for? What are you peak’s and pit’s for the year? Share your gratitude with us- we want to hear things you are thankful for!
