A Blog for Big-Hearted Overthinkers

In a world filled with suffering and challenges, it is not uncommon to experience feelings of shame and unworthiness when embracing ease, joy, and abundance in our own lives. The stark contrast between our privilege and the struggles of others can lead to a sense of guilt. However, it is essential to recognize that experiencing joy and abundance does not diminish the empathy and compassion we have for others' hardships. In fact, by cultivating compassion and using our abundance to empower positive change, we can contribute to creating a more compassionate and supportive world.

⭐Cultivate Self-Compassion:
Self-compassion is the foundation for embracing ease, joy, and abundance while acknowledging the suffering of others. Understand that it is okay to experience moments of happiness and success, even amidst global challenges. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend in a similar situation.
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⭐ Acknowledge Your Privilege:
Recognize your privilege and the advantages you have in life. Instead of feeling guilty about it, use it as an opportunity to be grateful and compassionate. Acknowledging your privilege can motivate you to give back and support those less fortunate.

⭐ Be Mindful of Your Impact: As you enjoy abundance, be mindful of how your actions and choices affect others. Consider the environmental and social impact of your lifestyle and seek ways to minimize harm and promote sustainability.

⭐ Use Your Abundance for Good: Instead of feeling guilty about your abundance, use it as a tool for positive change. Contribute to charitable causes, volunteer your time, or support organizations that are working towards alleviating global suffering. Your resources can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

⭐ Engage in Empathetic Listening:
Develop the ability to empathetically listen to the stories and struggles of others without judgment. By genuinely understanding the experiences of those facing adversity, you can become a more compassionate and supportive advocate for change.

⭐ Balance Personal Fulfillment with Service:
Finding a balance between self-fulfillment and service to others is crucial. Embrace your joy and abundance while making conscious efforts to contribute to the well-being of others. Remember that you can be of greater service to the world when you are content and emotionally fulfilled.

⭐Practice Gratitude: Gratitude is a powerful tool for cultivating a positive mindset and fostering compassion. Express gratitude for the abundance in your life while also being grateful for the lessons learned from the challenges faced by others.

⭐ Advocate for Social Change: Use your voice and privilege to advocate for social change and support initiatives that address systemic issues causing suffering in the world. Whether through activism, donations, or raising awareness, your actions can be a force for good.

⭐ Embrace the Interconnectedness of Humanity: Recognize that we are all interconnected, and the well-being of one individual or community affects the well-being of the whole. By embracing this interconnectedness, we can work together to uplift and support each other.

Accepting ease, joy, and abundance while acknowledging the suffering of others requires a delicate balance of self-compassion and empathy. Remember that experiencing happiness and success does not negate your ability to empathize with others' struggles. By cultivating self-compassion, using your abundance for good, advocating for change, and embracing the interconnectedness of humanity, you can empower yourself to make a positive impact in the world. Embrace your full potential and remember that contributing to positive change does not require sacrificing your happiness—it is about finding ways to uplift and support others while embracing your own authentic joy and abundance.

You might have heard that gratitude can change your life, shift your perspective, rewire your brain and help you manifest your goals. Let’s put it to the test! Join me in sharing what you’re grateful for every day in May, and let’s do a real-life experiment to discover how gratitude impacts our lives! ​

Follow my daily gratitude post on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok.

You may have heard that practicing gratitude can improve your well-being and relationships, but did you know that there is actual science to support these claims? Countless studies have shown that gratitude has a number of benefits for both mental and physical health. Here are just a few of the ways in which gratitude can change your life for the better.

​Gratitude improves physical health.
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One study published in Behaviour Research and Therapy found that participants who kept gratitude journals reported fewer health complaints than those who did not. Another study looked at older adults with chronic pain and found that those who wrote about things they were grateful for experienced less pain and fatigue, slept better, and had more energy than those who did not practice gratitude. ​One study found that grateful people were more likely to take care of their health, exercise regularly, and eat a healthy diet. Another study found that gratitude is linked with lower blood pressure and a reduced risk for heart disease.

Gratitude strengthens relationships.
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In one study, participants were asked to either express gratitude to their partner or request something from their partner. Those who expressed gratitude reported feeling closer to their partner and more satisfied with their relationship than those who made a request. Gratitude also improved relationship satisfaction among couples dealing with PTSD. In another study, participants who wrote about things they were grateful for experienced increased social connectedness.

Gratitude Can Improve Your Mental Health
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If you’re struggling with anxiety or depression, gratitude can help. Expressing gratitude has been shown to decrease depressive symptoms and increase levels of happiness and well-being. Gratitude can also help you cope with stress in a healthier way by increasing your resilience in the face of adversity.

Gratitude enhances well-being.

Writing about things you are grateful for has been shown to increase levels of happiness and life satisfaction, as well as reduce depression. One study found that participants who kept a daily gratitude journal reported higher levels of positive emotions, optimism, vitality, alertness, and determination, as well as less anxiety and depression. Another study found similar results in adolescents. Not only does gratitude make you feel good in the moment, but it also has lasting effects on overall happiness and life satisfaction.

Gratitude Can Help You Achieve Your Goals
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If you’re working towards a goal, be grateful for what you have – even if it’s not what you ultimately want.  This can help you achieve your goal because gratitude creates a sense of abundance, which in turn motivates you to keep pursuing your goals. Additionally, research has shown that people who are grateful are more likely to reach their goals and feel increased satisfaction when they do.

The science is clear: gratitude has a number of benefits for both mental and physical health. So if you want to improve your relationships, sleep better, feel less pain, have more energy, or just be happier overall, start practicing gratitude today! You may just find that it changes your life for the better.

​This Holiday season, take the risk and go for the gratitude that scares the shit out of you. Most of us *think* about the things we are grateful for. That's great - but there is a deeper and more fulfilling experience to have if you're willing to take the risk to experience it.

Many people report that when they focus on what they are grateful for, this automatically generates a fear that they will lose those things.  This, in turn, causes many of us to avoid gratitude - consciously or unconsciously.  We think that if we hold back just a little bit, we can be saved from the future pain of possible loss. But loss is part of life, and living a little less fully doesn't save you from it.

In fact, research shows that gratitude actually helps us cope with crisis. As we cultivate a gratitude practice, a psychological immune system forms that helps to cushion our fall when we encounter adversity.  There is scientific evidence that grateful people are more resilient to stress, whether minor everyday hassles or major personal upheavals.

I'll bet that there is something - or many somethings - that if you allow yourself to really FEEL your gratitude for it, you will cry like a little baby. You will shake, you will shiver, you will be brought to your knees. You will be humbled, frightened, elated, ecstatic, startled, in-awe... raptured. This is gratitude from the soul.

This is the kind of gratitude that wakes the Universe up and puts Her at your command. It moves obstacles in your life and opens doors. This soul-shaking experience of gratitude is your 'magic beans' and your pair of 'ruby slippers', and the more you practice it, the easier it is to live from this space allowing more 'magic' to seep into your everyday.

Taking the time to focus on the subtler treasures of life - such as a fresh breeze, a breathtaking view, a stranger's beautiful facial expression, or a blooming plant - takes life to a new level of fulfillment a pleasure.  Once you learn to cultivate it - you'll never go back.  Life passes us by, and the magic of the present moment often eludes us.  As humans, we miss out on opportunities to connect with humanity, savor our lives, and recognize all we are grateful for and appreciate.

Happy Thanksgiving week to each of you, and may you each find a million moments this week to experience awe & gratitude for:

• Yourself (and your unique quirkiness, strengths and weaknesses)
• Your relationships (friends, family, and difficult people that have taught us)
• Your 'things' (your home, running (clean) water, indoor plumbing, your ipad, microwave, coffee maker, blankets, slippers & jammies.. just to name a few)
• Your life experiences (the good ones, and the bad ones that forged you)
• Your health (the fact that you can walk, talk, see, and digest food)
• Your body (that it allows you to feel the wind, and smell a Christmas tree)
• Your choices (and the incredible blessing of being able to make mistakes and get back up)
• Your freedom (and the vast array of freedoms you experience)
• The time you live in
• The place you live in
• The inventions you enjoy (like being online right now enjoying social media, or the miracle of flight that allowed your family to come visit with you)
• The awesomeness of nature (the mountains and the stars)
• The love from your pets
• The taste of pumpkin pie and stuffing...

It goes on and on...the gifts that each of us has are endless. I hope you experience this vastness this week as you celebrate the holiday.  I hope you take the risk and go for the gratitude that shakes you to your bones. 
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Happy Thanksgiving.

And just for fun, one of my favorite videos about gratitude: