In my daily routine, I find time to drop my kids off at school, fit in a workout, and express gratitude for things I don’t yet have but am hopeful for. It may sound unusual, but this practice has significantly impacted my life, and I believe it can do the same for you. Let me elaborate.
When I faced the impending reality of divorce, I immersed myself in self-help literature and podcasts. They provided a sense of stability amid my turmoil. The central message across these resources was the incredible influence of our thoughts, particularly those rooted in gratitude.
Gradually, I honed my ability to reframe negative thoughts into positive affirmations. Instead of worrying about what the future holds, I began appreciating the simple pleasures in life: the warmth of a shower, the beauty of a clear sky, and the laughter of friends. This mental shift was remarkably beneficial.
The Power of Gratitude for Aspirations
One concept that repeatedly surfaced in my readings was the idea of being grateful for things I desired but didn’t possess. While this wasn’t your typical gratitude journaling approach, it involved writing down your aspirations and visualizing the life you would lead once you achieved them.
Initially, I was skeptical of this idea, thinking it was too far-fetched. However, since expressing gratitude for my current blessings had already transformed my perspective, I decided to give it a shot.
That very Sunday, I noted my appreciation for achieving a specific work goal as a freelance writer. Given the unpredictable nature of my income, I wrote my goal down with precision. By the end of the week, I found myself a few hundred dollars short. I then expressed gratitude for a particular job that would earn me $200. To my surprise, after sending out some pitches, I reached my income target.
This practice has become a weekly ritual for me. Nearly a year has passed since I started, and I’ve consistently met my goals. Even if I fall short one week, I often find that circumstances align in subsequent weeks to compensate.
Manifesting Relationships and Desires
Before I met my current partner, I wrote down my gratitude for him, jotting down the qualities I sought: he needed to have kids near my children’s ages, be humorous, and share my interests. Six months later, I’m in a fulfilling relationship with a man who meets all of my criteria and brings joy into my life every day.
I also had my eye on a beautiful necklace that was beyond my budget. After writing it down and envisioning myself wearing it, I stumbled upon the exact piece at a thrift store, and to my astonishment, my store credit covered the cost.
Post-divorce, I longed for companionship from women who understood my experiences. Shortly after expressing this desire in writing, I reconnected with an old friend who had gone through a similar situation, and we have become very close.
Taking Action Towards Your Dreams
These examples illustrate the power of gratitude when paired with proactive steps to achieve your dreams. It’s essential to take action—whether it’s pursuing a job, working on relationship dynamics, or seeking that special item. Despite the challenges life throws our way, this approach has provided me with hope and direction. It’s not a panacea, of course; life can still be difficult, and circumstances may not always align as we wish. However, I’ve found that articulating my desires and expressing gratitude for them can expedite their manifestation.
This morning, my list included gratitude for an upcoming weekend getaway with my close friend and for quality time with my daughter, who has been facing challenges lately. Just as I hoped, she asked to go for a Starbucks run, and I had a gift certificate on hand.
I encourage you to create your own list of aspirations.
This article was originally published on December 28, 2019, and has since evolved to encourage others on similar journeys. For more insights on family discussions, you can check out one of our other blog posts at transparency in family discussions.
Additionally, if you are exploring home insemination, resources like Make a Mom provide excellent kits and information, and Johns Hopkins Medicine offers valuable insights into fertility and insemination options.
In summary, adopting a mindset of gratitude for what you wish to achieve can alter your outlook and experiences in life.
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