Gratitude and Reflection: Creating A Space For Insight, and Heidi’s Top 4

In this crazy and chaotic world we live in, sometimes it is really hard to be in the moment and be present. There are distractions everywhere you turn. How do we put down the tech and reflect on some of the more powerful moments in our lives? Ever since 2020 and probably before, there has been an increased need for mental health awareness in this country. We can become overwhelmed and sad with all of the constant buzz around us and it’s customary to try and distract ourselves when we do have a quiet moment alone to be present and to reflect.

Personally, I love some of the ideas presented in the book The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma. The protagonist in the book speaks volumes about the value in getting up early and planning your goals for the day as well as becoming aware of the gratitude in your own life. The book describes the 20-20-20 principle where you spend 20 minutes of your morning on exercise, 20 minutes of reflecting and journaling and 20 minutes on learning or personal development. I mostly spend my entire 5:30-7:00 am making coffee, changing and getting to my workout but every so often, I get my head in the right space and take some time to thank God for the beauty in my life. Today was one of those days and here is what I came up with, not in any particular order. I hope my journey of reflection will inspire you to do the same.

1. Mobility -each time I work out I am stunned that my body is able and powerful. I have functional limbs that I can run and lift weights. I know not everyone has this and I am forever in awe of God for blessing me with mobility.

2. Health-my husband and I have the drive to learn how to live to be the healthiest and happiest we can be. We also have resources to learn what is best for our bodies and then invest in those supplements, foods, and purified water among other items that help us feel our best.

3. God and Love-my family has always been and will continue to be surrounded by love and God. I grew up with two amazing parents who showed me unconditional love and I am fortunate enough to be in an awesome marriage where we do the same. I have a beautiful little daughter who is a firecracker and so loved. We have a blended family which is maybe not so unique anymore but is a testament to the fact that love knows no boundaries. We have flexibility with who we love and who we accept into our family and our lives and I am so appreciative of this. We have international family, blood-related and not. God has given us so many wonderful opportunities to bring beautiful people into our lives.

4. Freedom. I am free. I live in a free country and am overwhelmed with gratitude for the freedoms and opportunities I experience daily just by being born in the USA. This is something I had absolutely no control over but am perpetually grateful for.