Recently I published an article about āBeing Vulnerableā - it was my way of purging the demons that have been haunting me beneath the surface of my smile.
I have to say, after being transparent and putting myself out there, I feel so much better.
At first, it was just the act of getting it out. Next, it was the feeling of actually being vulnerable and sharing it with the world by publishing my story and sharing on social media. Finally, the messages came flooding in. Thank you to everyone that reached out!
This post though isnāt about me. This is about you. Iāll mix in personal stories to get the point out, but my intention is to give you a plan of action to find a little more happiness in your day to day.
When you look in the mirror, what do you see?
Are you happy with the reflection in the mirror or merely content?
I often struggle looking at myself in the mirror. I see the glass but I rarely look deep into the eyes staring back at me. Itās not because Iām ashamed. It is partially because Iām afraid.
But, most of all itās because Iām not truly present. Iām moving too fast. I talk all the time about meditation; however, I rarely practice meditation.
Hereās something that I have done that has helped me incredibly in my journey to find happiness. The best partā¦ itās easy to do and you can implement it in your daily routine as well!
My Attitude of Gratitude
Iāve switched my mindset from focusing on the negatives to trying to appreciate all the little things (which, in reality, are the big things). I made a list of things that Iām grateful for and I repeat it in my head daily.
I still am trying to meditate and itās not working great for me at the present moment. So, instead of attempting to meditate to say my list of things Iām grateful for - Iām simply repeating my grateful list anytime I get sad, depressed or any sort of negative feeling like anxiety. Iāve also used this as a way to run that extra mile, swim those extra 10 laps or pump out those last 2 reps when lifting.
In the spirit of transparency, here is the list of things I am grateful for:
I used to read about people making a list of things they are grateful for and the list would look kinda similar to what you just read. I used to think it was a bunch of B.S. On the surface itās so easy to say Iām grateful for my health. However, when I really think about it - I am so incredibly grateful for my health! I never ever thought about how appreciative I am that I have working legs that let me run and even to just walk! I never think about how I donāt have asthma or how almost all of my friends wear contacts but I donāt. Whatever it is ā¦ I never appreciate my health no matter how large or small it may seem. So, when I say in my mind that Iām grateful for my health; these are the thoughts that are running through my mind!
One more exampleā¦ I wouldnāt consider myself the most patriotic person in America. But, I am damn proud to be an American and I rarely ever think about how lucky I am to have been born into this amazing country! Taking it a step furtherā¦ I was born in California. People from all over the world dream of living in the U.S and California specifically! Not only that, but I live in Silicon Valley ā¦ one of the most prosperous places in the world to live! I literally have no excuse to complain about the economy or why my business would be suffering. Iāve lived in rural places like Chico, CA and itās so much harder to grow your business in an area like that than it is in somewhere like Silicon Valley. I have no excuse to complain about lack of opportunity. This thought inspires me and helps me get up and get after it!
How to Create YOUR Grateful List
1. Find a time that you can be alone for at least 30 minutes
2. Find a place to think this over
Some ideas: Working out (running/swimming/lifting etc), at a park / near a lake / anywhere in nature, quiet room in your house, even the shower
3. Close your eyes and try not to think
Thoughts will come, thatās okay. Donāt try to stop thinking about these random thoughts. They will come and go if you let them. In meditation, they call it ānotingā. In other words, just ānoteā the thought then let it pass - donāt let these thoughts consume you.
4. After a few minutes, your mind should start to clearā¦
5. Start asking yourself what youāre grateful for
6. Challenge yourself
7. Write it down.
8. Say it daily and say it anytime you are feeling down.
Thatās it. Itās really that simple. In no way am I suggesting this will heal you and help you overcome everything you may be battling. This is just one simple and easy tactic to use to help find more happiness daily.
Have other ideas? Let me know; I would love to hear your take. You can reach me at Sam@SwagWorx.com.
Thanks for taking the time to work on yourself and I wish you the best in your journey!
Sam
P.S. for more inspirational tips and self-development thoughts, check out my Mojo Mondayās podcasthere.
Sam Kabert is the creative director of SwagWorx and the creator and co-host of the podcast āWhatUp Silicon Valley!ā A risk taker who embraces permanent beta, Sam is leading the transformation of his family-run office supplies business into a promotional products powerhouse. Sam can be reached at Sam@SwagWorx.com