Take 10—Being Thankful

“When I started counting by blessing, my whole life turned around.”  Wille Nelson

Each and every one of us has so very much to be thankful for; however, it is very easy to get caught up in the negative moments of our lives.

One way to appreciate how truly are blessed we are, is to make a list or perhaps a gratitude jar.  Below is one such example from https://www.mommypotamus.com/gratitude-happiness-jar/

 

Here in the US, we are days away from Thanksgiving.  A perfect time to practice gratitude, but truthfully, there is no bad time to be thankful.

Being thankful doesn’t mean ignoring the not so awesome moments that happen each and every day in our lives.  However, it does mean stopping, acknowledging, and viewing those moments differently.

Ask, what are these difficult moments teaching me?  Then be present with those moments as well.  But be thankful because you are becoming a stronger person.  Don’t fight the riptide, instead, swim with it.

I recently came across the following words of wisdom.  May they speak to you as they do to me.

In Life

Pema Chodron

In life we think the that the point is to pass the test or overcome the problem. The real truth is that things don’t really get solved. They come together for a time, then they fall back apart. Then they come together and fall apart again. It’s just like that.

Personal discovery and growth come from letting there be room for all this to happen: room for grief, for relief, for misery, for joy.

Suffering comes from wishing things were different. Misery is self-inflicted, when we are expecting the “idea” to overcome the “actual,” or needing things (or people, or places) to be different for us so we can then be happy.

Let the hard things in life break you. Let them effect you. Let them change you. Let those hard moments inform you. Let this pain be your teacher. The experiences of your life are trying to tell you something about yourself. Don’t cop out on that. Don’t run away and hid under your covers. Lean into it.

What is the lesson in the wind? What is the storm trying to tell you? What will you learn if you face it with courage? With full honesty and – lean into it.

The video below involves some easy stretches that you can use as you reflect on all that you have to be thankful for.

 

 

 

About Shari

Shari is VFit’s resident miracle worker from Texas! She leads an “Unwind” class, unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. But don’t let her zen like ways fool you. She can deliver just as Yang of a high intensity class and leave your muscles “good” sore for days to come.

“Born and raised in Texas, I was a competitive gymnast in grade school and went on to be a competitive twirler in High School.

I attended college at The University of Texas in Austin, majoring in English and Kinesiology.

Having always had a love for physical fitness, I taught group fitness throughout college, and upon graduating was hired to teach public school.With the demands of a new job and a new husband, exercise became my time to unwind.

With my 3 children now in school, I returned to my first career as a group exercise instructor.

Yoga is one of my favorite styles to teach because it has something for everyone. It is healing and strengthening all in one. It truly is the complete package.

When not in the gym teaching, I enjoying spending time outdoors hiking and exploring with my husband and 3 children.

We are avid travelers who enjoy each new adventure that we encounter. All three of my children are very active in competitive sports.”

Credentials:

RYT 500 Yoga Therapist
ACSM CPT
Senior Fit Specialist

Mobility Specialist

Yin Yoga Specialist