I so often encourage my clients to focus on what they’re grateful for, instead of always focusing on what isn’t going right in their lives. The other night, I was having trouble sleeping. My mind was stuck on worry about an elderly friend who has been very ill for quite awhile. I wrote about her in an earlier post.
As I was lying there wide awake, I thought about my advice to my clients, and decided that I needed to practice what I preach. I began to think of everything that has been helping my friend regain her health, and to give thanks for each one. I started with the fact that she has a very good medical doctor, who she trusts implicitly. He’s overseeing everything, and he really cares about her as a person. I’m so grateful for that!
I silently started to list every single thing that had anything to do with her medical care and physical comfort. I thought about the visiting nurses, her caregivers, her physical therapist, her antibiotics and other medicines. I was (and am) grateful for all of them. I even blessed her recliner, because that’s where she’s been able to be the most relaxed.
Then I listed, one by one, all the people who love her. I’m so grateful that she’s had their prayers and positive thoughts, their phone calls, cards, and letters. She has needed to rest a lot, so visits have been very restricted. But I’m sure that she’s been touched by their love, which has come to her in many ways.
After that, I listed all the things she loves — like her home, her pets, her yard, her books, etc. These are some of the things that have comforted her, and helped sustain her during her illness and prolonged inactivity.
Finally, as I was starting to get pretty sleepy, I silently gave thanks for all the ways she’s enriched my life with her friendship, love, and caring. She’s been an amazing presence in my life, and I will be eternally grateful for her. It was so easy to start thinking of all of her many wonderful qualities: her zest for life, her innate wisdom, her kindness, her gentleness, … and on, and on, and on.
The next thing I knew, it was morning! By focusing on how grateful I was for the many blessings in her life, my mind was able to relax, and let go of the worry.
So, if you find yourself lying there wide awake and worried about something, try what I did. Start thinking about all that you’re grateful for, and before you know it, morning will come. Give it a try! There are always things to be grateful for.
Until next time,
Sounds much more effective, and interesting, than counting sheep. Thanks!
It is, Amy, and what’s even more important is that it makes your heart feel good, so that you fall asleep contentedly and peacefully!