My Empty Gratitude Journals (Sharing Some Really Personal Stuff)

Last year I bought two gorgeous gratitude journals. (I have a slight stationery addiction so one wasn’t enough) One was a day planner to be used every day, and the other was for spontaneous use.

They are both empty.

2013 was a pivotal year for me. Upon reflection I have SO much to be grateful for, but at the time I couldn’t appreciate it, and at that time I certainly didn’t feel like writing anything down.

In 2013 a lot of stuff happened…

Stuff that wasn’t so awesome: I went to hospital three times for different surgeries.  I continued to stay in a job that was wonderful but just wasn’t for me. As I was not following my heart and dreams – my soul began to wither and my body and mind rapidly followed.  I stopped caring for my physical and mental health. I stopped writing. I stopped reading. I lost my juice.

Stuff that was unbelievable awesome: A new precious grandson. A continuing incredible marriage to my soulmate. The unconditional love and support of amazing family and friends. My incredibly amazing body and mind kept on going, regardless of what I did or didn’t do for and to it. The wisdom and courage to leave my job and follow my heart. Amazing opportunities and incredible moments of synchronicity. (I say incredible a lot don’t I?).

Things I learnt: Don’t ever stop following your dreams. Don’t ever think that what you spend your waking hours doing doesn’t affect you, because it does. Life is so very very short and we only get one chance, so do what you love and love what you do. Be grateful for our beautiful bodies and incredible minds and take good care of them.

Things I am doing this year: It’s now the end of May and I am feeling pretty damn awesome. I am getting started on the self care stuff, I still have a way to go, but baby steps are always a good thing. I’ve started writing again. I’ve started reading again. I’m living my purpose. I’ve found my juice.

The spontaneous gratitude journal that I carried around for 18 months is now ready to have lots of juicy goodness written in it.

Thank you 2013 – always grateful, always grateful, always grateful.

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About Me

Recovery Coach Rea-Anne

Hi, my name is Rae-Anne. I am a facilitator, manager, counsellor, NDIS support coordinator, psychosocial recovery coach and published author with over 25 years experience in leadership development, change management and developing and delivering training within government, social and community services.

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