Gratitude

A few years ago, I began the practice of expressing gratitude. It typically took the form of me writing out five things I was grateful for each morning. I also would verbally express gratitude to the people in my life I was thankful to. This practice really helped me see all the things in my life I was appreciative of, no matter how small, instead of focusing on the negatives in this world.

Eventually, gratitude shifted from being a practice to a theme in my life.

The month of November is commonly associated with being thankful with it being the month we Americans celebrate Thanksgiving. This got me thinking of all the things I am grateful for this past year. This year has presented so many opportunities and new experiences. Whether it be traveling to new states like Arizona, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Connecticut, or having the opportunity to have access to some exclusive events and people, this year has been packed with so much I am grateful to have experienced.

I have had new business opportunities to explore, new relationships to develop and new perspectives, all which have allowed me to continue to evolve as a person. Learning to transition from a solo traveler to a traveler with a companion has also been a new experience I am grateful for. When I sit down to think about the last year and everything it has bought with it, there are good, bad and ugly experiences within it. But I am thankful for them all nonetheless.

Because when I began learning to express gratitude, it was not just for the good things but for everything. Be thankful for the people and experiences, the good and the bad — they are all part of making us better, more beautiful human beings.