Gratitude walking my way to better mental health is just one of the ways that I keep myself grounded. I’ve talked about my gratitude walks previously but let’s delve into this process a little more and exactly how I am able to use these walks to direct my day.
The holidays are approaching and we all know that they can cause anxiety for some. Whether it’s the emotions you associate with the season due to past experiences, missing those who are no longer here to celebrate or overwhelmed with the gift buying process, the holidays can bring with them negative emotions. It’s important to be intentional and develop a game plan before they get here so we are being proactive instead of reactive.
Gratitude walks are now a staple for me. Sometimes I do these walks solo, other times Sean joins me. Whether I am walking solo or with a loved one, it doesn’t stop my expression of gratitude. The method may change, but taking the time to encourage myself to be positive and optimistic is constant.
Gratitude Walking My Way To Better Mental Health
Music
Just like books, music has the ability to take you on an adventure. It can lift your mood or depress it so it’s important to be mindful of the music we listen to. I don’t know that we realize just how much our subconscious is fed by the things we listen to each day.
Music is one of the things I use on my gratitude walks to help me to focus on positivity. I play my favorite soca/calypso, reggae, inspirational, atmospheric music and just zone. In that zone, I envision great things- fond memories or dreams of the future. Thoughts that make me smile and make me feel light.
Prayer
Sometimes I express gratitude through prayer. I speak to God/The Universe to thank her for every blessing that comes to mind. For the ability to walk. Grateful for my simple existence in this magnificent world because I wasn’t guaranteed a chance at this life, but here I am living it. I ask for help managing negative thoughts and the ability to accept them when they come. Work through the why I am having these thoughts and redirect them to more positive ones that are much more productive.
Reflections
There are many gratitude walks that I start in a good mental space. But when I am in a negative place, it really helps to reflect on past wins. I reflect on goals I’ve accomplished, problems I’ve solved and people I’ve helped. This reminds me that I am so much more than this negative moment I am having.
When I am in a negative headspace, it becomes easy for those thoughts to take over. By intentionally inserting thoughts of success, I am forcing those positive thoughts to take up more brain space, creating less space for the negative ones.
Admiration
There is so much beauty around us, only if we allow ourselves to take notice. During some of my gratitude walks, it is nature that directs my expressions of gratitude. Allowing myself to observe and appreciate the beauty around me elevates my thinking. It allows me to acknowledge the world that is so much bigger than I and filled with wonders of grandeur.
When I take my gratitude walks, I start each one with intention. I know exactly why I am taking each walk but I allow my needs for that day to direct just how I find and express gratitude. If I am having an especially challenging day, it is these walks that help to center me, to look at the glass as half full. I can let go of every obligation and pressure – and just walk!
With Intention,
Sean and Simone
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