You can’t force gratitude...

Be Obsessively Grateful + watch how magical this Christmas becomes!

That sounds adorable... but yea, probably not true right? Over the next couple of days I know the sad, jealous, disappointed, discouraged or broken parts of us will skim over the cute pics, fake quotes + pretend to “like” so many posts (but truly trigger something deep within us)...+ you know what? That’s normal! To feel upset, to wish life had dealt us something different, to want something we don’t have- doesn’t make you “bad” or “selfish”. It is trying to show you your wishes, your regrets + your desire to be happy or fulfilled.

Yes, “some people” will tell you to you be grateful, to count your blessings, or remind you “it could be worse!”. Lol (yes, laugh out loud) please, I don’t ever want to hear that “there are starving children in Africa” to try to take away my disappointment of my current situation. In fact, yes, I’ve met those kids, + believe me when I say they are sometimes way happier than we are here in America.

The truth is, you can’t force gratitude. You can fake your way through the holidays. Joy will not happen until you face the ugly, sad, unexpected or unwanted emotions this holiday can bring.

The next couple of days so many gifts will bought, given, re-gifted + returned. So what about the gifts you didn’t open from under the tree? Such as health, a job, your family, your friends, a warm cup of coffee, a hot meal, legs to walk, eyes to see... I’m not trying to sound cheesy but after spending several months in a wheelchair + a walker last year, I will never again complain about parking far away, moving boxes or heavy things, or carrying my sweet baby.

Really, life gives us gifts all year long. A lot of times they are disgusted as hard times, trials or inconveniences but once opened give a whole new perspective to life! The truth is, we can’t be truly grateful until our soul, body, mind + spirit are at peace. Not ignoring the things we don’t understand, but asking questions!

This Christmas, open or give gifts of love, authenticity + vulnerability. Ask questions, awaken awareness + experience growth. Then! Watch! How magical this Christmas becomes! Xoxo