How I was reminded of the importance of gratitude in its impact on you

I was incredibly thankful to find myself in Greece, especially since we only learned the day before whether we would be boarding a plane. My little sister was involved in Hurricane Helene’s search and recovery efforts, which made her travel uncertain. However, it fell into place beautifully. We celebrated my sister's birthday with a gift card bouquet, Harry Potter-themed goodies, and a lovely brunch before embarking on our direct twelve-plus hour flight to Athens. This trip carried immense significance, as it was a chance to explore with my best friend and little sister, whom I had dearly missed. We celebrated her 30th birthday surrounded by our new friends at a family meal table in Greece, and my mom joined us too. The sacrifices we made to get on that plane, from finances to time, were worth it, and I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude throughout. I filled my journal with reflections during the trip, and gratitude emerged as a recurring theme. I started my journey focused on pruning and letting go, discovering that grief was my biggest hurdle. I realized I had been sidelining my losses, but unaddressed grief eventually demands attention. This trip provided me the opportunity to confront my struggles with my identity as Becca. While I cherished some aspects of my life, others felt challenging. Previously, I had found silver linings easily, but a series of difficulties had piled up, making it hard to cope. 

During my time in Greece, several moments helped me reconnect with gratitude. The first was my sister successfully boarding the plane—an experience that underscored the impact of having supportive companionship. I brought along two books determined to read: "Permission to Dream: How to be Radically Resilient and Hopeful" by Christine Caine, and "Codependent No More" by Melody Beattie. Both books surprised me with their insights. "Codependent No More," which had been recommended to me, turned out to be incredibly relevant, offering reflections that resonated deeply. One key realization was that even after making decisions, one can still feel lost, emphasizing that we must navigate the hard work that follows. 

On the other hand, I initially thought "Permission to Dream" would be different, but it shared challenging stories about how God plants dreams in us and encourages us to follow His path. It prompted me to reflect on the tough moments and recognize their significance in my journey. A card I carried read, “Find just one thing that you feel grateful for right now & let that gratitude pour through your body. It’s a healing balm like the warmth of the sun.” This served as a reminder that each day offers something to be grateful for. While in Greece, I consistently sought out moments of gratitude, from climbing to the top of a castle with my mom and sister, exploring fascinating places, to connecting with new friends and sharing personal struggles. Most importantly, I was able to rediscover my smile. Although I had it for the past three years, I had been struggling to embrace it. This trip was about so much more than spending time with my sister and mom; it was a necessary opportunity to reconnect with myself, Becca.

Eyia Retreats (if you sign up for a retreat be sure to let Kat know that I sent you) provided the perfect space for healing, allowing me to connect with my true self through the words of strangers who were unaware of my past struggles. I am profoundly grateful for this experience that led me on a journey of healing and daily gratitude. 

There are numerous ways to nurture gratitude, and one effective method encourages you to shift your focus from what you lack to what you possess. This practice strengthens with regular use. For instance, consider writing a thank-you card or email to convey your appreciation for the positive impact someone has had on your life. You could make it a habit to send at least one each month. Another idea is to create a gratitude jar where you jot down moments of thankfulness, along with the date, and set aside time to read them later. Personally, I maintain a journal where I number each entry expressing gratitude. Interestingly, one of the key benefits of practicing gratitude is that it fosters stronger relationships and deeper connections in your life.

Additionally, incorporating gratitude into your daily routine can enhance your overall well-being and increase happiness. You might start each day by reflecting on three things you are grateful for, setting a positive tone for the day ahead. Mindfulness meditation is another powerful tool; it allows you to focus on the present moment and appreciate the simple joys you might otherwise overlook.

Engaging in community service or volunteering can also instill a sense of gratitude. By helping others, you not only provide support but also gain a greater appreciation for your own circumstances. Sharing stories of gratitude with friends and family can inspire them to cultivate similar habits, creating a ripple effect of positivity. 

Remember, gratitude is a practice that grows stronger the more you engage with it. Over time, you may find that it becomes second nature, leading to a more fulfilling and connected life.