There are still moments when I occasionally get caught up in seeing only the negative side of something. Sadly, that was about all I saw for the longest of time. But thankfully, my spiritual teacher helped me to shift that tide to being more positive over the past few years. Now I find myself doing an exercise whenever I find my thinking sliding even slightly back towards the negative. It’s really a simple one actually and the more I practice it, the more I’m able to keep myself on the positive side of things. All it entails is taking each negative comment that comes out of my mouth, finding something positive in it, and then verbalizing/writing it. Given how I’ve felt and been recently, I think this exercise is probably well overdue and is going to be a great way to practice having even more gratitude in life.
- I can’t believe how bad the pain in my left leg has felt lately.
- I am grateful that I still have my entire left leg and foot and can still stand and walk.
- I am tired of not feeling well enough to hold a paying job.
- I am grateful that I still have enough financial resources to get by until I can work again.
- It really bothers me that most of my former friends in Massachusetts never reach out.
- I am grateful for those friends in Massachusetts like Kim who still regularly contact me.
- It angers me that many of the people I called on Thanksgiving never returned my call.
- I am grateful for those who did contact me on Thanksgiving and wished me a happy one.
- I hardly get time to be with my partner because he’s so busy with his work and school.
- I am grateful I even have a partner who’s willing to provide for the majority of our household.
- Why does it have to take so long to heal and be rid of all my health issues?
- I am grateful for how much I’ve already healed and all the lessons in patience I’ve been learning along the way.
- Those freaking squirrels keep digging up the grass in my yard!
- I am grateful for all the areas of my yard that are still so lush and green.
- Ugh, the yard is full of leaves again; I’m so tired of picking them up!
- I am grateful for the meditation I get to practice each time I clear my yard of leaves.
- There always seems to be heavy traffic when I need to get somewhere by a certain time.
- I am grateful for being able to drive, for having a reliable car, and for these important reminders to take life a little more slowly.
- No one ever seems to call me and ask me to hang out with them!
- I am grateful for my partner and the few friends in recovery who do spend time with me.
And how about one more for good measure…
- My life seems pointless; I feel that God has totally abandoned me!!!
- I am grateful for each of my sponsees, my spiritual teacher, and my partner, as each are signs my life has meaning and God is still with me.
Peace, love, light, and joy,
Andrew Arthur Dawson