Gratitude and purpose

It’s easy to talk about gratitude when you walk into a beautiful, ancient forest.

But the beauty around me doesn’t automatically change what’s happening inside my body or how I feel about myself. I could be anywhere in the world, in the most beautiful spot,

and gratitude wouldn’t necessarily be on my mind. I could still feel isolated within myself.

Without painting a beautiful picture, I go in and out of different states. I’m not feeling fully myself in this midlife transition. I would like to feel steady in my energy, my goals, my purpose and what I’m trying to pursue. But that isn’t always happening at the moment.

And this is why I’m talking about gratitude.

Even within this uncertainty, there are moments when I can choose how I relate to myself and my life. I notice the disappointment around people I gave so much energy to, people I hoped would support me in the way I needed. I can feel that hurt and also find something to say thank you for.

Thank you that I can walk into a park, hug a tree and rest my head against it. That I can feel the air, see the leaves moving and experience the sun on my face. Thank you that I’m alive.

Saying thank you while I’m still in bed in the morning, before going to sleep, or while having my morning brew has changed something in my life. Spending a few minutes writing down what I’m grateful for gives my attention somewhere else to rest.

The thoughts still come.

You feel this way because this happened to you. Because that person said something, or didn’t show up. Because your childhood was like this. No one loves you. No one understands you. ..You’re not good enough... You don’t have enough money... You’re useless...etc etc.

I know how quickly those thoughts can become the story.

For me, the shift begins when I notice the narrative. When I recognise it without immediately following it or judging myself for having it. Then I can turn towards something else that is also true.

There is fresh water to drink. There is a roof over my head. There is somewhere to rest. These things look different for each of us, and they aren’t available to everyone. When I have them, I want to remember their value.

Gratitude gives me more space to see goodness. More space to pause, receive and reciprocate. It changes how I relate to myself and how I meet other people.

It also brings me back to purpose.

I believe every person has something to offer. Sometimes we lose sight of it beneath everything we think we must do to survive, perform, please or fulfil other people’s expectations.

But there is a thread of you that has been there all along.

What drives you? What do you love doing? How do you create, collaborate and communicate? What do you bring to your family, your team, your friendships, or even a conversation with someone in a shop?

Perhaps some of that purpose is already there, in the way you move through everyday life.

My gratitude practice is uncomplicated. Five minutes. Three to five things written down, or a conscious moment of connection with something I appreciate. Giving myself enough time to feel what those words mean.

I can be hurting and still say thank you.

I can feel uncertain and still notice something that supports me.

Thank you that I can breathe.

Thank you for the water.

Thank you for the walk.

Thank you for the sun on my face.

And when I sit against a tree and feel my breath moving through my body, I want to stay connected to that feeling for as long as I can.

Gratitude is one of the simplest, oldest practices that allows you to reconnect with your heart and transform your life.

It transformed my life, and I’m pretty sure it can transform yours.

This is also what I practise with my clients. Together, we learn to notice the stories we keep telling ourselves and make space for what we appreciate, what supports us and what matters to us. A practice that can help you rediscover yourself and how you want to live.