What a Cyclone Taught Me About Gratitude
(photo taken by Puget Sound Energy)
“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it”
This week in the US, we have our holiday, Thanksgiving.
And, it’s generally considered a time to reflect on what we are thankful for.
For me it’s particularly pertinent this year, as we just experienced a rare storm system called a cyclone bomb here in the Pacific Northwest that left about ½ million people without power and many with severe damage from the wind and trees falling.
My husband and I were without power, heat and connectivity for 3.5 days.
I know others have suffered worse on the southeast area of the US in the two back-to-back hurricanes in recent times. And, I understand at a newly experienced level that when these situations happen, it puts us in survival mode and can be quite stressful.
Yet, for me, I kept thinking how dependent we are on our modern way of living and how grateful I am that I do have all these amenities that I do have.
We managed fine, as did most people without all the conveniences we take for granted on a day-to-day basis.
And, I find myself feeling humbled, but most of all, so very appreciative of the heat we now have in our home, the lights that go on when I flip the switch and the wifi and internet connection I now can easily access.
Right now, still 4 days since the power has come back on, I’m still feeling filled up with gratitude and I want to share that abundance feeling with you.
In the video I made, I’m sure you can see and feel how grateful I am. I expressed how I’d be showing my appreciation and gratitude to you via specials and freebies.
As it’s Black Friday “week,” (a new phenomenon now,) I’ve decided to have 1 special per day that ends at midnight on the “official” Black Friday, November 29th.
So, you’ll be getting 1 email per day with something that is deeply discounted or a freebie that I think you’ll find valuable.
I’ve even lowered the price of my book: “The Stress Relief Toolbox: For Women Who Take Care of Everyone But Themselves” for this week.
So you can get it either as an e-book or a paperback for a much lower price than the usual $14.95. It’s now, for a limited time, $9.95.
The e-book is discounted from $6.99 to $3.99.
It makes a great gift for the women on your gift list!
If you’ve been in my community for a while, you know I’ve written a lot about gratitude in the past and why it’s such an important practice when you want to uplevel your feeling state, your thoughts and really, your life. I’m a big fan and want you to be as well! 🙂
The article below will provide you with more information and give you some tips on what to write in your journal.
In appreciation and gratitude,
Jackie
P.S. If you find you’d like support in getting out of feeling stuck in a rut of complaints and old stories, or if you’re feeling the crazy-ness of the holidays creeping in, remember, you can reach out to me for a complimentary discovery session – let’s explore how hypnotherapy can work wonders for you, with whatever challenges you may be having!
3 Ways to Connect:
https://healinghypnotherapy.com/how-can-we-help-you/
Phone/text: 425-941-2051
P.S. If you find you’d like support in getting out of feeling stuck in a rut of complaints and old stories, or if you’re feeling the crazy-ness of the holidays creeping in, remember, you can reach out to me for a complimentary discovery session – let’s explore how hypnotherapy can work wonders for you, with whatever challenges you may be having!
Why Keep a Gratitude Journal?
Spending just 10-15 minutes a day writing in a gratitude journal can transform your outlook on life. Research shows that consistent gratitude practices make people happier and healthier. Journaling is one of the simplest ways to bring this positive habit into your daily routine.
Here’s how keeping a gratitude journal can enrich your life:
- Celebrate Achievements: Journaling helps you notice and appreciate both big and small accomplishments.
- Boost Happiness: When you focus on the good, your perspective shifts. Journaling trains your mind to notice and savor positive moments.
- Improve Health: Concentrating on gratitude reduces stress and promotes well-being, helping counteract negativity.
- Enhance Relationships: Journaling encourages you to appreciate those around you, fostering deeper connections.
- Better Sleep: Reflecting on gratitude before bed calms the mind, leading to more restful sleep.
- Build Resilience: Gratitude strengthens emotional “muscles,” helping you bounce back from challenges with greater ease.
What to Write in a Gratitude Journal
Getting started with a gratitude journal can feel daunting, but there’s inspiration all around you. Here are some ideas to spark your entries:
- Focus on Details
Instead of broad gratitude (like “I’m thankful for my family”), pinpoint specifics. Maybe you’re grateful for how a loved one supported you during a tough moment. - Be Present
Use mindfulness to notice little joys in the moment, like the sound of birdsong or the aroma of fresh coffee. Capture these small yet meaningful experiences in your journal. - Dig Deeper
Ask yourself why something makes you feel gratitude. Uncovering the deeper reasons often leads to a richer sense of appreciation. - Explore New Areas
If your entries feel repetitive, shift focus. Write about gratitude for nature, work, or past experiences to uncover new layers of thankfulness. - Take a Break, Then Reflect
If inspiration isn’t flowing, step away. Engage in a simple task, like folding laundry or walking outside. Let your mind wander to find hidden moments of gratitude.
The magic of a gratitude journal lies in how it trains your heart and mind to seek out the positive. Over time, this practice cultivates kindness, compassion, and a deeper sense of joy. A grateful heart truly is a happy one!
3 Ways to Connect:
https://healinghypnotherapy.com/how-can-we-help-you/
Phone/text: 425-941-2051
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