Sometimes we get so caught up pursuing the next big thing, that we forget to pause and appreciate the things we have, and the things we’ve experienced, learned and achieved along the way.

Sometimes our mind is racing with a thousand thoughts and we forget to give thanks to the cup of coffee we’re holding in our hand.

Sometimes, yes, it’s hard to feel grateful when we’re in the midst of tremendous uncertainty and grief, anxiety and anger.

There were times in the past when I felt like the whole world was against me and I would blame the Universe for all the problems, pain, hardships, and challenges. Looking back, I’ve realized that such problems and hardships are often blessings in disguise. The universe allows me to experience the low points of life in order to teach me lessons that I could learn no other way. I’ve become stronger, more mature and more resilient. And I’m thankful for all of that.

“Reflect upon your present blessings—of which every man has many—not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”

Charles Dickens

Still, pain hurt. And we may not be grateful for the pain itself. We can, however, be grateful for the cracking open that happens and for the light that pours in,.. We can appreciate the ways we’ve grown into a fuller version of ourselves, the ways we’ve shown up to sit with ourselves through the pain, (even if it’s hard).

As both rain and sunshine are needed to make a rainbow, both joy and sorrow jointly make our life truly colorful. I believe the practice of gratitude can help a person to sail through the darkest phases of their life.

Christmas is not always an easy time for some. So, this December I urge you to take a moment to give thanks for all the things and people you have in our life. And it doesn’t have to take much to spark deep appreciation that resonates throughout your whole being. It’s actually usually the small things that make a grand difference. They may be the slice of bread you’re eating, the smell of cookies baking in the oven, the friendly encounter, the cozy morning, the night sky, the beautiful sunrise, or even the songs that make you cry.

“Therefore give thanks, but in sincerity. And let your gratitude make room for all who will escape with you; the sick, the weak, the needy and afraid, and those who mourn a seeming loss or feel apparent pain, who suffer cold or hunger, or who walk the way of hatred and the path of death. All these go with you. Let us not compare ourselves with them, for thus we split them off from our awareness of the unity we share with them, as they must share with us.”

(ACIM, W-195.5:1-4)

Just for today, I will be grateful.

One of 5 Reiki principles that we as Reiki practitioners are always encouraged to incorporate into our daily life is “Just for today, I will be grateful for all my blessings“

And here I’d like to share some of my blessings that have been given to me for over the past year. I hope this little gratitude list may be some source of inspiration for your journey.

• My family and friends who are always there for me during tough times
• My little cat, May, for teaching me how to be patient and enjoy life
• My spirit guides for being present for my healing
• The tough times and challenges that teach me important lessons and help strengthen my spirit
• Mother Nature that nurtures me every single day
• All the choices I have in life
• All the quiet moments of solitude that I have
• My growth through life
• All of the food and water and resources that was given…
• All of the people who have helped me and whom I’ve helped – Thank you for being part of my soul journey
• And myself for not giving up on life no matter how hard it might be.

“Walk, then, in gratitude the way of love. For hatred is forgotten when we lay comparisons aside.”

(ACIM, W-195.8:1-2)

It’s Christmas eve here already. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and the coming year is full of many blessings for you and your family. Take care and good night!

With love and gratitude,
Thuy

December 25th, 2022