My happy place
I recently had the privilege of taking a vacation to the beach. A beach with turquoise water and sand you long to dig your toes into. There were days when the biggest decision to make was when to get in the water for some wave jumping and when to get out and lay in the sunshine. And then there were days when spotting colorful fish at an underwater snorkeling park, bioluminescent night kayaking, or hiking to remote tide pools were the agenda of the day. My adventure tank was filled in ways it had not been in over a decade.
I still have my journals where I recount having to utilize a wheelchair in the airport when traveling or the recorded victories of finally having the energy to walk around the block. Those days, my fatigue was so dominant and the brain fog so severe, laying in a bed filled my hours that strung together endlessly it seemed.
It is truly miraculous where I have come from, and I am so grateful. And I’ve realized the power of gratitude along the journey, no matter what my day looked like.
Gratitude is key for the healing journey
Among many things, noting what you are grateful for helps your nervous system to rest and enter what we call a parasympathetic state1. Stress (sympathetic state) is the opposite and can cause the “fight or flight” response that has become an unfortunate companion to many of our days. This parasympathetic state, however, allows our bodies to feel safe enough to heal. It also is what is required for proper digestion! Utilizing the tools like gratitude that help us out of fight or flight is key to our healing journey.
Make it a habit
Taking the first or last few minutes of your day to write a list or journal what you are thankful for is a great way to implement this practice. Or, try pairing it with a habit you already have, like recounting what you are thankful for while you brush your teeth or take a shower. Over time, this has a powerful effect on your brain as it becomes trained to be grateful!
If you can relate to my brain fog-filled days, I am so sorry. It can be lonely and scary and hopeless at times. There is goodness to be found, though! Look for the sun that beams through your window and shines on your face or the unexpected call from a friend. I found that the ease of writing my list grew as I practiced and has become powerful medicine for my body!
