PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

“For my part, I am almost contented just now, and very thankful. Gratitude is a divine emotion: it fills the heart, but not to bursting; it warms it, but not to fever.” AMANDA KIRKLAND

My gratitude rock is a small, smooth, painted stone I discovered in the soil of a fig tree I inherited from a yoga teacher of mine before she fled to a warmer climate. I used to carry it in my bag, or pocket, or

placed it somewhere in my home where it was always visible.

When I felt or saw my “pet” rock, it was a signal for to me to hold the rock in the palm of my hand, pause and think about things I was grateful for.

When I first started this practice, it felt unnatural and forced. Nothing would come to mind other than the obvious, I am grateful for: my home, my health, my dog, to/for my friends, always the same four things.

Today, just listening to the daily news, opening email after email which somehow always alludes to the pandemic - well, it’s depressing. The dialogue is so focused on the negative.

Why not get yourself a gratitude rock? I was going to suggest picking one up by the lake or in a park, however, as I’m writing this, we’ve had about 25cm of snow overnight and double that coming by 5pm today. Yeah, I love the white stuff, actually. I should say I’m grateful for the white, clean, fluffy snow. If we are going to have winter, let there be snow.

While writing this article I decided to give the use of the rock a little twist. I sat quietly in front of my MacBook as my fingers spat out a list of things, I am grateful for that came to mind in the moment.

I am grateful for my bed. I am grateful I can see trees and birds from my townhome windows. I am grateful for my body that allows me to move. I am grateful for my yoga practice. I am grateful for my sight that allows me to see and watch everything around me. I am grateful for the challenges and hurdles I have had to navigate for they have brought me to the place I am in today. I am grateful for Lululemon leggings. I am grateful for my sister. I am grateful for my strength and tenacity. I am grateful I learned I had a purpose. I am grateful I am now a coach helping others. … and look at that, none of the above items are on the “old” list of four. Now I’m on a roll. I could go on, but those were the first things that came out of my typing fingers just now

I’m going to keep adding to this list and when I think I am emptied, I am going to print out a couple of copies – one to keep on my person, and one to put somewhere visible at home.

When I’m having a moment and stressing out, I am going to read this list and remember all that I’m grateful for; all the good in my life.

Oh, and before I forget, I am grateful I moved to the Long Branch community two years ago and was given the opportunity to be a monthly editorial contributor to the Etobicoke Lakeshore Press, where every month I get to talk to my neighbours.

For now, signing off from a place of calm, joy, and love.

AMANDA KIRKLAND Personal Development Coach www.amandakirkland.com

If you are interested in making positive changes in your life, let’s book an initial consultation call. Tell me your story and we can identify what’s blocking you from achieving the results you desire. My coaching programs use specific ENLP tools that uncover the root cause of surface level problems. We will clear these blocks at the unconscious and cellular levels, allowing you to see effective results over a short time.

I am passionate about my work, because I’ve experienced first-hand the life- changing results and shifts possible while working with the unconscious mind.

Email me at amanda@amandakirkland.com or visit www.amandakirkland.com.