Gratitude is important for wellness–it can improve mood, tolerance to pain, improve blood pressure, improve sleep, reduce inflammation, and the benefits go on. I have devoted Thursdays to publicly showing gratitude, because no matter what is going on in life, if you’re alive, there is something you can give thanks for.
This week, I’m grateful for the quiet time I had to be with my thoughts looking at the view in my hotel room,
the support of friends, some who drove a good distance just to support me, some who shipped flowers just to show how proud they were, many who bought books, and who listen to me and always are there when I need them—I have amazing friends.
For the successes I’ve seen,
for my babies—who often remind me I’m the “best mom ever” (for now at least ), for safe travels and the rain that came at the close of my drive, for confirmations, for new beginnings, I give thanks.
Since then, I have implemented #ThankfulThursdays. Once a week, I commit to take some time to stop and list in public things I have to be grateful for, no matter what kind of day I’m having–what kind of week I’ve had. And you know what, it has been amazing. Honestly, I try to practice this attitude daily, remembering to be thankful in moments that seem darkest has been the thing that keeps me from losing myself at times.
You see, the troubles didn’t stop with the migraines, and they won’t go away after this patch of troubles goes away either. But I as long as I’m breathing, I’ll have something for which to give thanks, and it’s important to remember that!
Soulful Sundays: Once a week I will have an installment that speaks to my spirituality, because, as I’ve said, to me, spiritual wellness, is essential to complete wellness. Because I am Christian, my spirituality is heavily based on my relationship with the Trinity and the Christian Bible. If reading about God, Jesus, or the Spirit will offend your sensibilities, these posts aren’t for you–be advised
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
Colossians 3:15
The preacher said something that struck home today. “If you
are never satisfied with yourself, how can anyone else satisfy you?” Well, he
said it differently—I don’t think he used you—I think he said a person who isn’t
satisfied with… But I heard it the way I wrote it. Because I’m that person.
I have always had a goal. When I finished residency, I don’t remember feeling accomplished, I remember wondering what I was going to do next. Self-improvement is a core-value of mine and improving upon everything I touch kind of my mantra. At some point recently, I realized that this strength was also my biggest weakness—perfectionism. I’m still trying to fully define my particular brand of perfectionism, my motivations, but it’s what I’m struggling against, nonetheless. I had told myself that this wasn’t affecting my close relationships—I don’t hold everyone else to the impossible standards I hold myself to—but I’m pretty sure this was a huge case of denial. Of course, it affects my relationships.
I am constantly struggling between being satisfied with who
I am and continuing to strive for self-improvement. After all, even the Bible
says we will never achieve perfection. So where is the balance?
I’m honestly not sure. I think I may spend a lifetime trying
to answer this question. But I’m coming to believe that it may just begin with
gratitude—being thankful.
Don’t get me wrong. If we go back to the moment of residency
completion, there isn’t a doubt in my mind that God brought me through. And of
course, I did my obligatory thank you. But I mean, truly sitting in the space,
appreciating what He’d brought me through. Understanding that if I didn’t do
anything more, He’d done enough–I’d done enough.
I don’t list my complete resume here, partially because when
it comes to blogging and social media, while you can likely figure it out, I
don’t want to accidentally seem to represent any of my organizations when I am
only representing myself. But let me tell you, God’s been good, and I’m not
necessarily unimpressive (it’s even hard for me to type that…lol). You know
what, I’ve got to do better. I’m pretty impressive—and I’ve got to say that
because it’s a testimony to who God is. And it’s the beginning to what I’ve got
to start doing.
Gratitude. It starts with being okay with being impressed with where God has brought me. It’s giving him credit for what I have today and being okay if I don’t achieve anything else. I don’t think that stops me from listening when He calls me to more. In fact, I think it will focus me, and help me discern when the more is mine (vs when I need to say no).
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
), for safe travels and the rain that came at the close of my drive, for confirmations, for new beginnings, I give thanks.