At the end of 2013 I was eagerly counting down to 2014. I felt that 2013 had been the worst year of my life. I was feeling broken, defeated, scarred by the losses I'd experienced. It felt like even watching the sands of time click over into another year would be a win!
I'm lucky as every year automatically starts on a high note - the 1st of January is my wedding anniversary. Master L was keen to celebrate with us so we returned to the beachside restaurant where we got married for a family brunch.
Sitting there - fresh sea air in our lungs, good food and whole new year of possibilities in front of us - we did something that actually managed to change my point of view of 2013.
It started with talking about New Years resolutions - looking forward. But then hubby said - what were the top 3 things that were awesome in 2013??
I almost scoffed when he said it - I thought I'd never find anything! Sure enough though, as we started it was hard to stop at 3! Hard to distinguish which should be in the top 3!!
It then really hit home to me how easy it is in life to dwell on the negatives and take fore-granted the things are amazing.
I believe that life is like being on a see-saw - there are ups and downs and we are going to experience both. Both have a place, a lesson to teach us.
Its about trying to achieve a balance where the swings between aren't too extreme so you can spend more time in the air than on the ground.
Why is gratitude so important when experiencing fertility issues?
When facing fertility challenges that see-saw can feel glued to the ground - no matter how hard you try to push off you can't. You can get tunnel vision letting only let that aspect of your life determine your whole emotional well-being and general perspective.
You're stuck.
This is why I've come to believe that practicing gratitude on a regularly is important. It helps take the blinkers off the bad stuff you've honed into, and remind you that are really pretty lucky in the life you have - you should be enjoying it!
How have I bought gratitude into my life?
Journal
I sit down before bed and reflect on three things that I am grateful for that day. Sometimes they are big things, sometimes little. Some days I have to think harder to find something - we all have tough days! - but I always do.
Affirmations
I used to think affirmations were a bit wanky. I swear by them now. They become more powerful over time as they work with resetting your subconscious way of thinking about situations. I feel more confident of bouncing back when things go wrong, and have a deep belief in my ability to be strong, positive and happy.
I say what I am grateful for out loud
If someone does something I appreciate, no matter how small I try to make a conscious effort to tell them. It makes them feel good, it makes me feel good. Win-win.
Have you found practicing gratitude has helped in your fertility journey? I'd love to hear how you go about bringing gratitude into your life!