The Ultimate Game Changer _Gratitude
Welcome 2014!!! They say Insanity is doing the same thing expecting different results. Well this year I am determined to best my best and I'm going to do it with the magic of gratitude.
 
2013 proved to be the most challenging year of my adult life. So much loss, anger and sadness. And although I upped my faith game,  fear, resentment and frustration was soooo heavy on my mind and soul, I just couldn't flip the script and get back on track. (I realize I am still learning the lesson of forgiveness and faith).
 
However, I was able to break through on a minor level as I got serious about my spiritual practices. When I began meditating, I couldn't quiet my mind or regulate my breathing enough to hear Spirit speak to me. When I was praying, I could barely raise my voice in praise or express the pain and fear I was experiencing for all the tears. I was so hurt and confused. Dazed and Angry that I even found myself in such predicaments. No matter which way I turned it, seemed I couldn't catch a break.
 
I began Counting My Blessings because despite the setbacks I endured, there is still so much for which to be grateful. And things started changing.
 
The Magic of Gratitude
 

In her book, The Magic, Rhonda Byrne says “Counting your blessings is one of the most powerful practices you can ever do, and it will magically turn your whole life around!

“When you’re grateful for the things you have, no matter how small they may be, you will see those things instantly increase. If you’re grateful for the money you have, however little, you will see your money magically grow. If you’re grateful for a relationship, even if it’s not perfect, you will see it miraculously get even better. If you’re grateful for the job that you have, even if it’s not your dream job, things will begin to change so that you enjoy your job more, and all kinds of opportunities for your work will suddenly appear.

However, Byrne warns ,“The flip side is that when we are not counting our blessings, we can fall into the trap of unintentionally counting negative things. We count negative things when we talk about the things we don’t have. When we criticize or find fault with other people, when we complain about traffic... not enough money, or the weather. When we count negative things they increase too, but on top of that, with every negative thing we count, we cancel out blessings that were on their way. I have tried both _counting my blessings and counting negative things_ and I can assure you that counting your blessings is the only way to have abundance in your life.”

Byrne suggests starting your day by Counting Your Blessings. “First thing in the morning, or as early in the day as you can, Count Your Blessings. You can write out your list by hand, type it on a computer, or use a special book or journal to keep all of your gratitude in one place. Make a simple list of ten blessings in your life you are grateful for.

“When you think about the reason why you’re grateful for a particular thing, person or situation, you will feel gratitude more deeply. So with each item on your list write the reason why you’re grateful for it.”

Here are some ideas for writing your list:

·         I am truly blessed to have WHAT?, because WHY?

·         I am so happy and grateful for WHAT?, because WHY?

·         I am truly grateful for WHAT?, because WHY?

·         With all my heart, thank you for WHAT?, because WHY?

After you’ve finished making your list of ten blessings, go back and read each one, either in your mind or out loud. When you get to the end of each blessing, say the magic words three times, thank you, thank you, thank you, and feel the gratitude for that blessing as much as you possibly can.

I Can Do Magic

Each day I awake, I am so grateful to be alive. It's a testament to my failure to break or be broken; my resistance to crumble. I'm a survivor and I'm going to keep on surviving.

I thank God with all that I am for giving me another chance to do good and get it right. I'm so grateful for the support of loving family and friends _the calls and texts, the outings and visits really help me stand tall as the life that I knew and lived changed so drastically. I used to pride myself on being an independent, strong Black woman but I am so thankful to find out I do have people to lean on, I'm not out here living all alone. And it feels so good to have an encouraging, dependable support system helping me rebuild and refocus. I'm grateful that the naysayers, thrill seekers, vultures and back stabbers flew the coop, leaving me surrounded by the good intentioned and loving.

I am so grateful for the public library with free WiFi and computers less than a block away from where I’m staying. I’m so grateful for my strong legs that allow me to make that daily walk to apply for jobs and get information about other resources and opportunities. I’m so grateful for the chance to breathe in fresh air and clear my mind. I’m so thankful for the books, DVDs, music and magazines I get to use for free.

I’m so grateful for the government assistance so that I can get groceries that I can prepare delicious and nutritious meals and keep away from fast, processed foods and overindulgence in spirits and other health risks. During this time I’ve dropped a few pounds and even ended my dependence on a fully beat face each and every time I stepped foot out of the door. Now, I may only fill in my eyebrows, apply a little color to lips and cheeks yet still receive lots of admiration and pick ups. I’m showing the real she, flaws and all!!! And I luvs it.

And so my journey continues. Prayer, meditation, gratitude and affirmations are my tools for success. I've been setup for a comeback. And I'm confident I'm coming back bigger and better. I'm still La with a love for pretty things, strong cocktails, handsome men and good times. And I'm confident I will have all those things and more once again. I'm grateful for all I've enjoyed in the past and the blessings I continue to receive. And for that which no longer serves me , I will gratefully lose the desire. It's all Good!

Divine Activity is operating in my mind body and affairs, whether I see it or not. I Believe in Miracles and Magic! Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

Luv,

La