Counting your little Joys

When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.

Willie Nelson

I could sense the excitement in her voice despite her attempt at hiding it. However, I decided to play along, letting her ask all the necessary motherly questions as was her routine before I finally asked;

“mum, why are you excited?”.
She replied, “Nothing o, it’s just that I have gotten a new phone”

Anyone listening to this conversation would wonder why she was excited, it’s just a phone. Right?. For my mom, it was the big deal for that month. She had seen a few of her colleagues using this particular brand of phone and she had desired to get it. However, financial commitments aka “taking care of me“, impeded her for getting it.

On this faithful day, she decided to purchase it. I was proud of her.

My mom is the definition of a self-sacrificing person. Impulse buying is something she never does, due to different reasons. I, on the other hand, battle with the habit of making impulsive purchases.

Anyways I digress.

Hearing the excitement from my mum led me to reminisce on the little joys I had experienced as well. The happiness that overwhelmed me when the areas of my life I had prayed so desperately for, finally occurred. She reminded me of how easy it is to forget in search of the next, bigger experience.

On getting my university offer letter, I was the happiest person on earth. I was finally able to leave home to start the pathway to my dream career. I was joyfully, yet with an anxious heart, counting down the days when I would travel.

14 months later, I can barely wait to leave college to the next phase.

My mom’s joy, as small as it might seem, reminded me of how important cultivating the habit of gratitude is. Today, I’m reminding you of this.

Recollecting experiences that had previously made you happy, is a very therapeutic act. It is the balm that heals the sad heart and energises tired limbs. When you are at your weakest point, remembering those moments of joy would bring a simile to your face but most importantly, reignite the hope that had been lost.

A daily reflection of the happy moments acts as a reminder that everything is going to be okay at the end. Where you are now, won’t be where you would be in the next couple of weeks, months or even years. It shows you that there had been positive periods in your life “ups” and what you are currently going through is momentary, despite how never-ending it feels.

This quote by James E. faust sums this up so well;

As with all commandments, gratitude is a description of a successful mode of living. The thankful heart opens our eyes to a multitude of blessings that continually surround us.

James E Faust

Today I implore you to pick up a pen and paper and write down 5 things you are happy and grateful for. You just might be surprised with what comes to mind.

Love and light.