The Attitude of Gratitude: Changing Perspective Through Adversity

I push the quick-release button on my auto-injector and feel the needle pinch my thigh as it releases my dose of medicine, nearly kissing the other bruises painted on my legs.

But I'm so thankful for modern medicine and the faint promise of remission.

I fill a bowl up with peanut butter, bananas, and animal crackers for my son to snack on for breakfast, set it down on his play table, and head to wake him up. When I reach my son's room, I hear the distant *CRASH* of the dish hitting the floor as my sneaky German Shepherd and Siberian Husky quickly clean up the mess they've created.

But I'm incredibly thankful to have more food in the pantry so my little guy doesn't have to go hungry.

I park my car to drop my son off at his 4k program. My brain doesn't effectively signal to lift my foot high enough and I trip over the curb, splitting my work nylons and peeling the skin off my hands as the backpack and keys fly into the air.

I'm thankful I can afford his education and wrap-around program so I can continue to reach for success and achieve my entrepreneurial dreams.

Our small town shut the highway completely down for road work again, causing congestion and a heavy queue of cars. The lady in the white SUV in front of me is on her second cigarette in ten minutes, anxiously flicking the ash out her window as it trails back in the wind to mine. The gentleman behind me is cursing and throwing wild, angry hand gestures at the back up of traffic, sure to be late for his commitment.

I remind myself to be thankful for my reliable transportation and a full tank of gasoline.

The clouds quickly pass in the gray sky above the fields of crops lining the country road, and a few raindrops drip on my windshield here and there.

I take a deep breath and remain thankful for a beautiful country view during this extended commute and the scent of fresh rain in the air.

The Attitude of Gratitude

What is it about the attitude of gratitude that keeps my smile and limitless ambition in check?

Is it because I've had the pleasure of enjoying a health without painful treatments?

...gone weeks without food or income to fill our tummies?

...lost my vision in both eyes from severe optic neuritis that the gift to see even the ugliest of sights is pure magic?

...was unable to even get out of bed without falling for weeks during relapse?

...was unemployed and terrified that I would ever find a position that would accept my "disabilities?"

Neuroplasticity & Thought Reframing

Neuroplasticity changed my life. Understanding the power in thought-reframing was an absolute game changer. When your mental health is strong, your overall wellness is likely to follow. Here's a boiled-down version written by Debbie Hampton, The Best Brain Possible.

"Because of neuroplasticity, the scientifically proven ability of your experiences, behaviors, and thoughts to alter your brain, you are sculpting the physical form and function your brain every day with your life.

Most of the time, neuroplastic change happens unconsciously as a result of thought patterns and habitual behaviors we have as we go through our lives on autopilot. When living like this, letting your brain bully you and run the show, it can feel as if you have no control over your own mind or life. But the good news is that there are scientifically proven steps you can take to steer your mind and life… which permanently change your brain!"

The four steps you take include: relable, reframe, refocus, and revalue. Relabeling your thoughts consists of being extra aware of just what negativity you are letting into you mind. Reframing the thought is similar to finding the silver lining, or a positive aspect of the negative thought. Refocusing will allow you to remain positive and focused, expelling your energy in an effective, strategic manner, while revaluing your thoughts will come almost habitually,

"When you complete the first three steps regularly, the fourth step begins to happen almost automatically as the result of new thinking patterns. You begin to see thoughts, urges, and impulses for what they are: sensations caused by deceptive brain messages that don’t benefit you."

For more information about neuroplasicity and my personal experience, make sure to read my article, The Incredible Magical Brain: 3 Ways to Rewire Your Mind.

Honoring National Disability Employment Awareness Month

The fight we battle in silence, behind closed doors, give us perspective and appreciation like never before. Please join me during the month of October to honor National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Encourage your team to embrace adversity and diversity.

Support your team through the good days, and the not so good ones.

Reflect on your many blessings to live a life filled with gratitude and joy.

United we are so much stronger.