Gratitude is one of the most powerful forces in the universe. It is also easier to access this power, after one embraces a sense of stillness. It is hard to experience the appreciation that we truly have or are capable of having, without taking the time to pause. We all know when we are stretched thin, it is harder to avoid anxiety. It becomes harder to keep an uplifted attitude; akin to our exhaustion, we lash out at our partners and other loved ones. We may even be guilty of creating unnecessary dramas in our lives. 

How do we take the time to create the solitude we need in our lives in order to give ourselves the reprieve we need, and thus the space to let the gratitude and the love in? Many do take the time to pray, or meditate, but are we doing this often enough? How damaged are we really? To what extent do we need to explore stillness to find peace? How long can we keep living in denial, working hard for our families and ourselves, or simply just refusing to surrender to the way our lives have panned out? I do not always know why others live busy lives. Maybe this is totally necessary to feed and clothe yourself and those dependent on you. But if this were the case, is there someone or somewhere where you can ask for, or access help, if you only took a moment to enter this place of compassion and gratitude? Compassion and gratitude can truly be transforming.  When we know we are worthy, when we know we have done nothing wrong, we then can be grateful. 

I am guilty of hatred and anger being a fundamental force in my life that allowed me to become an individual, create boundaries, and also fueled my ability and desire to create and survive. I only, decades later, have now learned the blessing of simplifying and slowing down. Maybe I do not need to fit in with the cool kids. Maybe I do not need to be achieving wealth and prestige. Maybe enough is enough. Maybe realizing the love I receive and truly being grateful for it, only opens pathways to more love, kindness, patience and compassion for myself and others.

Less is more. The extent that I can practice this is endless. I may need to accept my situation as it is and be grateful for what I have, but I am also allowed the pursuit of happiness. I am allowed to take the deep breath that I need. I am allowed to surrender this striving that keeps love and relaxation and gratitude from my life. I am allowed to ask for help. I am learning to slow down and let god’s grace truly penetrate my life. It is transformative, it is healing, it is power.