“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
(the big) Things I am Grateful For
•My family – though they can be obnoxious or exhausting (I come from a large family, 7 children just in my household, but all families can be energetically draining) they are fucking amazing. The confidence they all encompass to be themselves and trust in authenticity is beyond beautiful. The moves my parents make for their family, the growth they have gone through, continue to pursue and inspire, moment for moment.
•My connection – I am so grateful for all of the connections I have. Connection to the earth and beautiful souls. Connection to creativity and my own knowing and higher self.
•Kindred Spirits – The beautiful people I’ve met through Instagram and been able to connect with on some level of friendship (Lindsey a.k.a. Ali0n, Ashleigh the beautiful soul of strength and light, and a few others), my two best gals and their undying support, and really anyone whom my writing or posting resonates with and inspires. These Kindred Spirits inspire me so and I hope they know they are as bright as any star that has ever brought awe upon them.
•Determination & My Path- though my path can be hard and uncomfortable at times (like any other, let’s be real), there is so much magic in my life and it’s because of my path and determination (both combined and on their own). The mission and passion inspire me and push me everyday, and I have become such a strong woman in who I am because of that. For that I am SO grateful
•Supportive Energies – I was once told by a lovely woman, Sonya Shannon, that I had many angels around, me wanting to speak through me and support me. While a lot of the time we can kind of feel these energies and trust or know that they are there, it’s very different when someone else sees it too, and validates it in a way. For me, I was able to really connect with those energies after that ‘validation’. I am so thankful for them. Whenever I get freaked or unsure, angsty or fearful, I can feel those energies along with my own higher intuition and guidance around me. Like a pillowy support cushion, calming me and reminding me that I’m not in fact crazy for what I am doing, and I am in fact completely capable and worthy.
•Inspiration in general – As the girl always inspired by colors found in nature, beautiful souls, authenticity, and light, I cannot help but be thankful for the sight to see and take inspiration from anything I wish. Inspiration is something very broad, but it can.. well, inspire, some amazing moments and events in life.
•My awareness – this goes hand in hand with connection. I am so grateful for my awareness, my capability to be in tune with myself and my energies. This is such a beautiful tool for growth, calming anxieties (going along with higher knowing), and an all around sight for the light and acknowledgment of the dark.
•Encouragement from followers – When something I do resonates with someone, be it Instagram, the blog, or a piece of my artwork, it warms my heart so damn deeply. I admire each and every person who lives a life of light, and most of my ‘following’ is made up of those kinds of people. I am so grateful for everyone who likes what I do.
•The little things – There are so many little things in every day that I am grateful for. When it rains. When the sun peeks through the clouds and its rays spread out oh so beautifully. When there’s coffee and records playing and painting happening.
As a result of this thanksgiving, I noticed some things… Some of us aren’t very vocally grateful. Why is that? Exclaiming to the world how grateful you are is not vain or conceited. Some of us only embrace the “Attitude of Gratitude” the day of Thanksgiving. Why is that? Is it so hard the rest of the year to hold an awareness of the blessings that come into our lives (on a daily basis)?
The goal is to be aware and to be grateful every day, not only on the ‘designated’ holiday, not only when a ‘miracle’ occurs, but everyday. For everything no matter the size or scale.
Leave a comment below and note some of the things you are grateful for! And be sure to look out for a monthly Gratitude Journal!
Namaste
~Riley Reign
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