Letter to My Younger Self on Gratitude
Dear Younger Self,
I write to provide guidance, support, love, strength and perspective as you navigate this precious journey called life. You will come to realize that there is truly no precise map or GPS navigation system to travel the infrastructure of life’s transportation system.
Think about it…when we put our notions of fortune, happiness, fame and success aside and get to the core of humanity…it all seems like this constant search and discovery to feel accepted, loved and appreciated.
However, as you will come to experience, we as “wired, baggage carrying human beings” tend to make our one and only opportunity at life more complicated than it needs to be; in the process distracting us from living our most authentic and best lives today filled with intent, meaning and purpose.
I will keep this letter as short as possible because I know you have many devices, applications and tasks battling for your attention. But I want to talk to you about Gratitude.
In this moment, what are you grateful for?
As you navigate your journey, you will lose sight at times of the power of giving thanks because life is not going the way you planned. You will venture further away from the present moment as you believe nothing is good in your life.
Gratitude is appreciating the great fullness of life, while experiencing the low and high moments. Acknowledging the defeats, the successes and what you already have becomes the foundation of all abundance.
Abundance flows into your life. When gratitude flows out of your heart.
Gratitude is its own energy field, and when you recognize what you have, it shifts your vibrational frequency, enabling more good to be drawn to you. This shift in consciousness can transform your world and the way you experience it. I encourage you to concentrate wholeheartedly on what is already prosperous, vibrant and abundant in your life. Halt the blocking of your blessings through the lack of gratitude.
There will be many pit stops on your journey. Know you can live in a space of gratitude even when you feel life is testing you. These so called tests might just be invaluable opportunities for growth and discovery. Some of these stops will last longer than others bringing with them emotions filled with joy, sorrow, excitement, grief, enthusiasm and sadness…but each stop is a teaching moment…equipping you with lessons that you might not otherwise experience but need to, in order for you to continue the discovery of your most infinite self. So be grateful for the setbacks and comebacks while paying attention to how you respond to each series of tests and challenges that become present on your journey.
Wherever there is appreciation, there will be duplication.
So, what do you want to celebrate today…
Is it your family, friends, pet, your partner, your health, your work, your colleagues, the rays from the sun, the breeze from the fresh air, that breath of life you just took, the person who smiled and greeted you kindly? Being grateful is a state of mind. Small or big gratitude affirmations that are acted upon can be transformative in nature, allowing other areas of your life to flourish and move forward.
Take a deep breath while being nicer to yourself and where you are. Instead of criticizing yourself for what has not yet been accomplished in your life, shift your attention and energy to what is in your control and all you have achieved and overcome.
Today, you have been given a gift of life. The most valuable present you will ever receive, because without life, the dreams and aspirations that fuel your existence cannot manifest into fruition.
I challenge you to take in these moments, step outside and enjoy a gratitude stroll, journal the small wins and all the good as well as love that permeates in your living. You cannot be stressed and thankful at the same time.
So use today to love, to serve, to let go, to empower, to inspire, to tell your story and be the best version of yourself while spreading gratitude everywhere you go.
Never forget, You are Loved, You are Appreciated… and You Matter!
Love Always,
Your Truth Conscience
About the Author:
Kimati A. Ramsey is an innovative brand strategist, inspirational educator and motivational speaker who graduated from the University of California, Berkeley. His educational, career and life management strategies have empowered thousands of student-athletes, high school and college students to seize opportunities and turn dreams into realities. Stay connected at www.kimatiramsey.com.
