I can’t even begin to describe how happy I am that we are about to enter the month of April! March was by far one of the most emotionally volatile months I have had in a long time. Dealing with the passing of a grandfather, personal struggles, personal triumphs, both highs and lows with my initiative… I can’t even get into all the details since not only would that take about 30 pages, but I feel like it would be better suited for my life memoir (being published on TBD, lol).
But in all seriousness, what an opportunity to remember the importance of living in a State of Gratitude. Often times, I feel repetitive in my speech, constantly saying things that may sound positive and uplifting, sometimes I go through the motions and say right things or do the right actions… but I can forget about why I am doing them. Why is it that I feel compelled to live in a State of Gratitude, what is the meaning of the phrase, and am I practicing what I preach?
I like to think of these moments as “aha!” moments. Trust when I say this, I have “aha!” moments all the time. Sometimes they come in the form of attitude adjustments when I find that I am drifting from my program, or being told about some life changing news in my life. This month has taught me how to get back on the path, how to learn from my mistakes and grow as an individual.
As I have mentioned before in prior posts, I have had the misfortune by my own mistakes to lose my Driver’s License. It was this month after almost three years that I became a licensed driver once again. It has been probably the most trying three years of my life and getting to a place where I can drive again hasn’t been easy. To anyone who has ever lost their driver’s license, I empathize with you. I know how hard it is. It has been a source of guilt and shame for the actions I committed that placed me in that position. However, I know better than to be a victim of my circumstance. I would not be where I am sitting today if I blamed everyone else for my problems and issues. It has been through acknowledgment, understanding, and growth that I can stand on the other end of the tunnel. I am truly in a State of Gratitude for the support of my family and friends to help me get to the other end. There will still be many hurdles to jump to come, life’s problems just don’t go away in an instant, they simply are exchanged for other struggles and obstacles.
Now more than ever I humbled and honored to wear my apparel. I wear my gratitude with pride, but not arrogance. My clothes and my apparel serve as a constant reminder that I can reach my full potential, and encourage others to do the same. It’s a constant reminder of all the beautiful relationships and people in my life. It is a constant reminder that I can live a happy and fulfilling life by being positive and up lifting.
Why?
Because I chose to live in a State of Gratitude… Always.
P.S. the photo is of my beautiful and strong willed mother and myself at backyard by Circular (occurs on the 3rd weekend of every month at Selina in Miami, check out our instagram page for events and pop ups @state.of.gratitude).