“You've got to be able to acknowledge and understand the past and move on from it. You have to understand it, and I think a lot of us just don't have an opportunity to understand it - but it's there. “
-Michelle Obama
How do the words above resonate with you?
Pause here for a moment and free yourself from distractions:
Take a deep breath in... exhale slowly... deep breath in... exhale slowly... deep breath in... exhale slowly... calm your mind and be present...
July is the month we are dedicating to (self) understanding. A time to examine the relationship between, our thoughts, our feelings, and our actions. In the book, Act of Fait: Daily Meditations for People of Color, Iyanla Vanzant share these powerful words that may help one gain a better self-understanding:
We are products of our past... We carry it in our hearts.
We model what we saw, heard, and experienced... it’s called a pattern...
We must explore the feelings, unpack the guilt, and free ourselves from the baggage we picked up...
What patterns have you identified that are not serving you well? Spend some time here... it takes courage...
Are you able to face the past and break the pattern, or is the pattern breaking you? Trust yourself... honor yourself... move forward...
“If you are willing to deal with the past, you can make the moment you are in rich.”
-Oprah Winfrey
As we journey along this road and continue to evolve, self-improvement happens. Psychologist, writer, and teacher in the field of personal growth and relationships , Gay Hendricks, shares this perspective on the power of gratitude:
Gratitude is a symptom and a healer:
Gratitude is a symptom of successful living, a sign that you are completing the unfinished business of past hurts.
Gratitude is also a powerful medicine. Rapid healing takes place when you express gratitude for something that has in the past been a source of anger or hurt for you.
What and who are you grateful for? Think about that for a moment...
Today’s Challenge: Appreciating Gratitude
Inspired by Gay Hendricks, "A year of Living Consciously..."
1. Question to ask yourself: What and/or who are you grateful for?
2. Now Consider doing one of more of the following:
Write the object of your appreciation a note.
Choose a small, inexpensive but meaningful gift for the person you are grateful for.
Pick up the phone and share with someone what you are grateful for and why you appreciate them.
3. Be conscious of how it feels to be appreciating.
It starts with YOU!
What are you willing to do?
Don’t miss your opportunity! Be intentional, encourage others to do the same and watch what happens.
You got this!
Coach Tavia
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References:
Hendricks, Gay; A year of Living Consciously: 365 Daily Inspirations for Creating a Life of Passion and Purpose. Harper One, New York, NY 1998.
Vanzant, Iyanla; Acts of Faith: Daily Meditations for People of Color. Atria, New York, NY 2020.
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