Experiencing many rewards from gratitude
This Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 2012 I will be observing the usual day of gratitude, however this date marks another reason for celebration. On this date a year ago I was involved in an upsetting car accident that demolished my car, damaged my body, and distressed my mind, and now I can finally appreciate the lessons learned.
In the weeks following the wreck I discovered that my physical injuries were going to take longer to heal than expected. Therefore I focused mentally, emotionally, and spiritually on maintaining an attitude of gratitude…glad that I was alive and having faith that I would someday be well again.
When the car accident occurred, I was experiencing my annual holiday sales season with lots of shows and book signings scheduled. It was the only time in 12 years I could not physically handle the travel required so I cancelled appearances. My top priority became getting relief from the pain in my body and concentrating on peace of mind.
Recovery from the accident required many hours of physical therapy and also mental rehabilitation as I adjusted to feeling exhausted, giving up many of my professional activities, and discovering new priorities. Through the months I have gained greater clarity what is most important in life: forgiveness, peace, love, and gratitude. The most powerful word in the world is usually considered love, however gratitude is a close second. I believe that being thankful for the car accident’s lessons have actually helped to heal me.
GRATITUDE IS FEELING THANKFUL to somebody for doing something like giving a present or baking a pie. It often involves expressing appreciation for people and things, usually those that provide pleasure.
The basic level of gratitude is easy to embrace and simple to do. It involves being thankful for our mates, parents, children, families, friends, relationships, jobs, talents, skills, health, homes, cars, material possessions, etc. These are real people and concrete items so it is appropriate to acknowledge them.
Another approach to gratitude is honoring the vehicle that keeps us going on this planet and therefore adopting practices especially related to taking care of body, mind, and spirit. Strategies include: a healthy, balanced diet; nutritional supplements and pain-relieving drugs; outdoor time with nature and sunlight; regular exercise; relaxing activities; meditation and contemplation; enjoyable articles and books; soothing music; writing/journaling; quality time with family and friends; massage and physical therapy; counseling or psychotherapy; support groups; doctors and other health practitioners, etc.
THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF THANKFULNESS involves feeling grateful for just being alive without any consideration for obvious reasons, specific individuals, favorite things, or any circumstances. Great gratitude promotes unconditional love despite situations that seem painful.
When experiencing this awareness one appreciates everything in the Universe, including society, the planet, nature, everything, everybody, even people who treat us unfairly but teach us lessons related to forgiveness and compassion. In America we can treasure our constitutional rights like freedom of speech and religion.
During this Thanksgiving season let’s focus on our many blessings and vow to maintain this attitude of gratitude every day of the year. Even though I will indulge in holiday favorites I will continue my health-oriented program that will promote healing and create aliveness!
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Readers can contact AlexSandra Lett, a writer and professional speaker, at LettsSetaSpell@aol.com. See www. AlexSandraLett.com and www.atimelessplace.com.



