THANKFUL FOR ME

Day 350 of 365 days

I wasn’t sure what I wanted to write about for today, and then it hit me. This morning, as I was looking back over the last few months -- and writing in my gratitude journal -- I let out a sigh of relief and said, "I am thankful for you, Motunrola." During the holidays, the one person we often forget to share gratitude with and give thanks for is ourselves. Giving thanks to ourselves and nurturing who we allow us to honour ourselves while reflecting on the personal growths that we have made.

If I'm filling my personal "love tank" up with words of admiration, thank you's, respect and love, I don't feel that I'm missing anything, and I won't need to look for these things outside of myself. I am the source to refer to for my emotional needs, and if my tank is full, I will have no problem helping to fill someone else's up. I will have more compassion and love to give to others.

I’m not perfect, but I’m thankful for my imperfections. I’m thankful that I realized that I was put here to become aware and heal all the things that my soul wants to heal. I’m thankful for my awareness; for being so curious about who I am and why I do the things that I do. I’m thankful for striving to be a better person for myself, for others, and this planet. I’m thankful for my strength and perseverance. I’m thankful for my growth and for standing in my truth.

I’m thankful for recognizing my worth (I am a beautiful, loving being that deserves kindness, respect, dignity, and love; as do we all). I’m thankful for learning the lesson of seeing others in the same light as I see myself. I’m thankful that I recognize that I am a compassionate, Mother, Friend, and Sister. I’m thankful for the challenges that helped shape and mould me into who I am becoming. I’m thankful for seeing myself through others so that I can become aware of the things that I need to work on.

I’m thankful for learning to accept myself as I am. I’m thankful that I have learned to nurture myself without guilt. I’m thankful that I have found my voice and I’m continuing to discover what it sounds like. I’m thankful that I am strong enough now to use my voice to help myself and others. I’m thankful that I’m able to say no when I want to say no and yes when I want to say yes (Freedom). I’m thankful for learning to accept my flaws and all (this was a tough one).

I’m thankful for the times that I fall and slip back into old patterns and behaviours. I know that doing this shows me what is still present and needs to be worked on. I’m grateful to myself for my dedication to discovering, creating, and walking a fairly unusual path through life. It’s been arduous at times, but also exhilarating. I’m so glad I’ve chosen this path and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

OK, your turn. What makes you grateful to yourself? C’mon, don’t be shy!