The early morning hours are my favorite time of the day. Right before daylight I make a cup of coffee and sit quietly in my bed sipping the hot goodness. I’m not a coffee drinker, but that one mug warming my belly sure makes me happy.
 
My doggy Leila is still laying peacefully next to me and my mind is clear and uncluttered from the imminent day’s events. The perfect time to have my conversation with God and set the right tone for the day. I’m not saying this calm mindset ‘holds up’ all day, but I surely try!
 
The routine starts with giving thanks for the blessings I have received and for the blessings that are coming my way today and every day. I remind myself to pay attention to my immediate thoughts. This shows me what my habitual demeanor is, it exposes my true feelings about any situation I’m dealing with. Lip service can be deceiving, it’s the feelings which will shape my daily experience.
 
It is easy to be thankful for all good things, but what about things and situations that “look” bad? Yes, I also include the physical and mental pains and emotional agonies in my prayers. I know that these distresses and heart aches are presented to me by the Universe as lessons, so I can learn and improve myself, i. e. my thinking and feeling. A seemingly bad situation is only another opportunity for me to make changes in my life. They are lessons, many times very painful lessons, but nevertheless lessons demanding to be learned. Resisting the signs from the Universe (and there are many if one would just listen) and continuing with habits of lesser than good nature will only bring on suffering. I ask myself: “Have I suffered enough?”…Haven’t we all suffered enough?
 
Saying “thank you” to the Universe with sincere appreciation puts me instantly into a positive frame of mind. I am assured that gratefulness will catapult me into a higher frequency and will trigger loving thoughts naturally. Like anything else, it gets easier with practice, and it will keep my focus on what’s right rather than on what’s wrong.
 
I remind myself again that gratitude is a feeling that results from honest appreciation. Appreciation of the life I already have. It is a knowing that I am blessed no matter what the circumstances are in my current life. The surest way to improving my life is through sincere gratitude, forgiveness, kindness, and an appreciation of even the smallest things.
 
No matter what my present situation is, I acknowledge, and I am grateful, that I am not a helpless human being, struggling to survive. I, at this point of my unfoldment, know that I can change my situation according to my sense (knowing and feeling) about the situation. All it takes is lots of earnest practice, abiding to Universal Laws and loving kindness, especially forgiveness for self and all people I encounter.
 
Have a lovely grateful day! 
​ULRIKE