A Week of Transformation: Shifting My Perspective Through Joy and Gratitude

Last week brought a whirlwind of unexpected forgotten tools that have completely shifted my perspective on life. Between diving into the fascinating world of the limbic system in a new class, rediscovering a forgotten treasure (my Joy Jar!), and embarking on a Soulful Connection Challenge with my writing community, I’ve gained a wealth of insights and a renewed sense of optimism.

It all started with a seemingly simple journaling prompt in the Soulful Connection Challenge. Confiding in my mom, I admitted, ” I’ve been thinking about this prompt all week and I still don’t know what to write about.  Being homebound for the past 9 months, I haven’t felt like there’s an experience I’m grateful to have experienced this year.” My initial struggle resonated with the idea that gratitude often focuses on grand gestures or exciting experiences. But what about the quieter moments, the hidden gems in our daily lives?

That’s when the magick began. With a gentle nudge from Mom, I realized the impact of finding a wonderful therapist, Emaline. I had been dreading the process of having to find a new therapist. I had been with this therapist on and for years and I knew from past experiences that finding a new therapist that you can trust and feel comfortable with is difficult.

Instead of playing therapist roulette, I set my intention and prayed to be guided to the best therapist who can best help me at this time. Boy did my Higher Powers (Spiritual Team) and the Universe deliver! Better than I ever could have imagined!

Emaline’s presence and approach has been a game-changer for me and facing my initial apprehension about having to find a new therapist turned out to better than expected. This act of vulnerability made me realize that sharing my experiences could help break down stigmas around mental health, a cause I deeply care about.

This conversation sparked a chain reaction of gratitude. If I didn’t want to share about my therapist, my mom reminded me of another experience to be grateful for this year. A seemingly mundane tooth extraction became a blessing in disguise, leading to a heartwarming reconnection with a cherished friend who I had the honor of being part of her end-of-life care team. You see, I had been wondering if Aunt H was still with me. Was she ever!!! She not only led me to the perfect dentist, but the assistant also pointed out, “I think she is with you. The heart garland fell off the window when Dr D was reminding you to think of Aunt H and Matt.”  I had noticed it to. So, I’m sure you can imagine my delight when the dental assistant pointed that out. One by one, forgotten moments of joy and connection surfaced, filling my heart with appreciation.

“Thank you for talking me through this, Mom!” I exclaimed. “Instead of feeling like I have nothing to write about, I have a treasure trove of experiences to be grateful for!”

Later, while making dinner for my family, I reflected on the unexpected silver linings that emerged from my dad’s stroke. Challenges and stressors were undeniable, but so was the opportunity to heal our relationship and grow closer. Being his caregiver, though demanding, became a gift I wouldn’t trade.

The past few weeks, however, haven’t been sunshine and roses. Fatigue, limitations, and ongoing health struggles took a toll, causing me to lose sight of the good. My nightly gratitude practice, once a cherished ritual had become a hurried mental list before sleep.

The Soulful Connection Challenge, however, offered a powerful shift. It encouraged me to simply list three things in my journal, a small but impactful change that lifted the pressure and made the practice enjoyable again.

The rediscovery of my Joy Jar, filled with notes capturing moments of joy, became another catalyst for transformation. Focusing on these positive experiences shifted my perspective away from negativity. Optimism rekindled, hope bloomed, and I emerged from a slump with a renewed sense of purpose.

Perhaps most importantly, this week’s journey helped me recognize the progress I’d been making, progress easily overshadowed by daily struggles. It’s a beautiful reminder to appreciate the present moment, the small victories, and the resilience that carries us through.

Shifting perspective isn’t always easy, but by embracing new tools and rediscovering the power of gratitude, we can cultivate a more positive outlook and find the joy that’s woven into the fabric of our everyday lives. What tools or practices have helped you shift your perspective? Share your experiences in the comments below!

If you want to join in on the fun of the Soulful Connection Challenge, you can sign up at Danteckauthor.com by joining his newsletter. Dan and his wife have played an instrumental role in my healing journey and helping me make my dreams come true.  I have been working with Dan since 2015 when I followed my heart to sign up to be a contributing author for the 365 Moments of Grace book.

#resilience #positivity #selfdiscovery #journaling #caregiving #joy #Mindfulness #SelfCare #perspectiveshift #MentalHealth #Gratitude