Gratitude and Appreciation for You in 2009

Greetings to You ~

When was the last time you appreciated yourself and everything you do?

Gratitude and appreciation for yourself and your achievements is an important step to connect with your Higher Self.  It's a very high energy and can shift us away from lower energies of worry, fear, overwhelm and the like.

It's often easier for us to focus on gratitude and appreciation for others.  That's really great but we also need to learn how to be grateful and be appreciative for ourselves.

A good way to start is by making a list of 10-25 things you did in 2009 that you're proud of.  This may be difficult for you but it's SO important.

Why celebrate yourself?  Because you may forget how wonderful you are in the days, weeks, months or years ahead.  During those times you may hold yourself back from doing something really huge.  This list is for you to keep forever and refer back on.

It's more meaningful when you're specific and really powerful to include how you felt. Here's some ideas.

• I learned how to...I felt really confident after expanding my comfort zone
• I planted a garden...I felt so peaceful and connected to nature
• I overcame a challenge...I felt stronger knowing I can handle things better than I thought
• I helped my family...I felt so much love for...
• I reached out to friends...I felt happy
• I made a decision to...I felt enthusiastic 
• I became more responsible about...I felt empowered
• I had fun doing...I felt joy and freedom

Create a file in your desk or computer or keep a special journal where you'll save this Celebration List. Take one hour and list all of the wonderful things you did, journeys you took, leaps of faith and changes you made, challenges you overcame.  Add the good feelings that came from each of those.

You do things and have gifts that are special because there's only one of you.  You're unique and see things and people in your own way.

What if you held yourself back or felt some doubt with a decision to move forward with something? That's the time you'd take out your Celebration List of gratitude and appreciation for the wonderful things you've done and remember how awesome you really are.  You'll also remember those feelings and realize you are fully capable.

Cheers to you and all you did in 2009!

Peace and Joy ~
Sheila
xo