Here we are again on the anniversary of September 11th. This is one of those historic events you will never forget. In fact, you can probably vividly remember where you were and what you were doing, when you heard (or even witnessed) the attack on the Twin Towers. How was your life back then? What were your hopes and dreams? How has your life changed (and how have YOU changed) since that fateful day?

I hope you take a moment to remember all who perished that day. Send a silent prayer to those families who were affected. Then, take a moment to count your blessings.

I've always said that gratitude is the shortcut to joy. Just thinking about the blessings in your life brightens your mood instantly. Expressing and sending your gratitude to the Universe also raises your vibrational energy, and the energy of those around you.

What are you grateful for? Maybe your health, family, friends, career or business. Maybe your freedom. Or maybe just the fact that you are alive and well. I certainly have a lot to be grateful for -- a loving family, supportive friends, a career that allows me to share my creativity and gift with the world while changing lives at the same time, etc. After going through a recent health scare, I have even more to be grateful for. I'm so thankful for my health, and for everyone around me who had offered me prayers, healing energy, and friendships in the past two months. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

What if you are going through a rough patch in your life? What if you simply cannot find the "bright side"? They say "Pain is inevitable; suffering is not". No matter what happened in your life, it's up to YOU to decide how you feel about it, and how you respond to it. It's a conscious choice you have to make. Chinese people believe that in every crisis exists both danger and opportunity. There are often blessings in disguise, if you look for them. Change your perspective, and you will change your emotions & behavior, and as a result, change your life for the better.

Here are some questions you can ask yourself:

• What opportunities or blessings can I find in this situation?
  
• What lessons do I need to learn from this?
  
• In what way can this experience help me grow as a person?
  
• How can I look at this situation from a more positive perspective?
  
• What can I do differently?
  
• If I could choose to look at this situation from a position of empowerment, what would that be?

Another way to help you consciously focus your attention on gratitude is an exercise called "Top 3 Things". As you go through you day, keep a mental list of 3 best things that happen to you that day. If something better happens, replace one of the 3 items on your list. Keep updating your mental list throughout the day. This will gently force your conscious mind to focus on the good things, instead of the bad things that happen. You can also keep a written list, if you prefer. Review your list at the end of the day. If you keep a journal, you can transfer your Top 3 Things to your journal. It will give you a visual reminder of all the good things that happen to you on that day.

Give it a try. I'd love to hear how it works for you!

Sending you blessings,
Hueina

9/11/2007

Labels: conscious choice, gratitude, managing emotions, perspective, present moment