Love and Gratitude

I'm really trying very hard at the moment to change the way I think about life. To re-think my priorities and learn that I don't have to obsess over things to the detriment of other things in my life. Basically I think in my head i'm a very selfish person. I may do things for other people but usually it's to gain something or because it makes me feel good to help others - not because I selflessly want to help them IYKWIM? I want that to change.

Can you believe this is the first time i've even been in this sub forum...

So tomorrow I have a consultation with a lady who is a pschologist/hypnotist/Reiki Master, we're going to talk and she is going to see if she can help me and how.

I've also been given a gratitude rock and have made a list that I am updating regularly. My ipod is an amazing tool! Ive downloaded some apps - one is a Gratitude Journal where I write next to little gratitude rocks all the things i'm grateful for. Another is a motivational quotes ap and another is a vision board.

I've bought 3 books (I know I seem over excited but i'm going to take my time with them!) - two by John Demartini and the other one is The Power Of Now.

Every time I feel tested i've been closing my eyes and thinking of all the reasons I am grateful and trying to figure out why every (supposed) negative thing happens and a positive behind it.

I'm also trying to enjoy the moment. Painting with DD2 and not counting how many pictures we've done and if it;s enough to be able to stop. Trying to appreciate the "now".

How do you puposefully try to grow each day and live well? Does anybody have any ideas for me?

I'd love some support and guidence on my journey and also to hear about others and support them on theirs.

Thanks for listening x

I have a set of affirmations that I've written on my mirror in my bathroom in whiteboard markers. I read it every morning and night as I brush my teeth (if I'm at home). I also have a print out of this set of affirmations stuck on the wall next to my desk.

It can be really HARD to change your mindset, I know I have major relapses but each day is a new day and if I stuffed up the day before, I have a clean slate to start my new day with.

I also have some friends who kick me up the tush when I start to go all "wiggy" and let things get to me.

I have a gratitude diary which I write in every day. Each night, I'll write in what I'm grateful for.
Doing something like this is so cleansing. I've learnt so much of myself since I actually take the time to think about the now. I am a lot stressed, I enjoy my time with the girls. So many positives.
Stick with it hun, it's certainly worth it.

CQueen it sounds like you're doing some great stuff already, so stick with it.

Like Punks, I have a few friends who keep me honest, and in particular DP helps me keep it real and I return the favour for him when we each need reminders about what's important.

The stuff about enjoying the moment is a great start. Can I ask, do you feel like life just goes at a million miles an hour? That sense that no matter how fast or hard you're working you still can't seem to put your finger on that sense of satisfaction & fulfilment? I guess what I needed to do in my case was simply SLOW DOWN. And not even in a physical sense, but primarily my thought patterns, emotions & expectations etc. Just stop. And listen and give things time rather than try and work it all out right here and now IYKWIM? Let some stuff go.

Have you read much about mindfulness? If not, maybe google it. Its a great technique that at its most basic asks you to stay in the moment with whatever you're doing. Might be eating your breakfast, might be doing the dishes, might be enjoying time with friends. It asks that you immerse yourself and really take in the experience, in its entirety rather than have your head all over the place thinking about everything else you have to do, organise, finish etc. Very much like you describe painting with your DD.

Good luck

I went to see the lady today and wow I feel so much better just from talking to her! She's giving me some things to work on and i'm seeing her for our first app next Friday and I can't wait. We're going to do Reiki. She put me at ease, said things that I know are true and has filled me with so much hope and for the first time gratitude about being part of this incredible universe x