"When you realize nothing is lacking, the whole world belongs to you."
~ Lao Tzu
We have begun a new year and traditionally, the New Year holiday has been a time to commit to changes in our lives. Many of us make resolutions to do things differently in the year to come. Perhaps we focus on being healthier – eating better, exercising, consuming less alcohol, leaving tobacco behind; or maybe we resolve to have better relationships in the new year, or to find our dream job, or to move to another town or state and start fresh. The truth is, we like do-overs, mulligans, second chances, and there is nothing wrong with that! However, I believe it is important to approach every year – every month, week, and day – with a sense of gratitude for what we have. When we start from that place, we are not sending the message to ourselves or the world that we aren’t enough or that we are lacking in any way. While that may be a subtle difference, lack carries a very strong message and effects our vibrational level. If we focus on how we need to be different, better, more to achieve success, we are sending the message that who we have been and what have had is not enough. Regardless of where you are in life, there are gifts you are growing, wisdom you are gaining, and experiences shaping your life. Before anything can change in a positive way, you must find the gratitude for where you are and what you have now.
As we step into this new year, I challenge you to spend time each day focusing on gratitude. There are several ways you can do this. Personally, I like to keep a gratitude journal, writing at least one thing each day for which I am grateful. I may write the same thing more than one day – my family, for example, – but taking time to reflect on what I am thankful for and then putting it in writing gives my body, mind, and intuition the opportunity to shift to that higher vibrational level. It changes how I approach my day. I choose to do my gratitude first thing in the morning. Others may choose to focus on gratitude in the evening or right before bed. Some people don’t write down a daily gratitude but spend time reflecting on it and perhaps even meditating with it. Keeping a gratitude jar is another great tool. Write one thing you are grateful for each day on a small piece of paper, fold it up, and put it in a jar. Throughout the year, when you are having rough days, pull out a slip of paper and discover what you have been grateful for in the past weeks or months. If you are old-school like me and keep a written planner, record your gratitude there. At the end of the year, you can look back with grace on all that you had rather than finding regret or resentment for what you didn’t get or what went wrong.Life is messy. It will never be perfect. We will have ups and downs, good days and bad days – maybe even bad months! The secret is not how we handle the tough times, but how we approach the tough times. I love the word surrender – and contrary to what many think, surrender does not mean giving up. Surrender means accepting that your journey is perfect just as it is. Surrender means allowing yourself to feel what you feel, but not giving your emotions permission to take over. Surrender means trusting that God/Spirit/the Universe has your back and will see you through the hard times as well as the amazing moments in your life.
Here’s to a year of growth, wisdom and living Mindfully Aware.
I am a business owner, author, speaker, teacher, life & corporate coach, and Certified Shamanic Practitioner.
Angie Shockley, MA, has spent 25 years working with adolescents, teens, young adults, parents, and families helping them navigate the challenges of daily life. Using her years of experience and training, Angie provides coaching, education, consulting, and alternative healing services for individuals and groups. She has studied Shamanic and Energetic Healing modalities under Berta Khunel of Balanced Horizons and is a Certified Shamanic Practitioner. Angie also utilizes the healing benefits of Reiki in her work. She is available for face to face sessions as well as distance work via phone.
Services
- Shamanic Healing
- Reiki
- Meditative Breathing & Meditation
- Mindful Life Coaching
- Corporate & Professional Coaching
- Equine Assisted Learning