22 Nov Reflecting on Blessings by Anna McClelland, LMFT

Our culture, fueled by social media and the need to get ahead, encourages consumerism, self-obsession and immediate gratification, which keeps us stuck in a state of WANT. When you are operating in the WANT state, nothing is EVER enough (or good enough). This way of thinking leads to low self-esteem, anxiety, symptoms of depression, feelings of emptiness, anger and envy. This WANT state takes our minds out of the present and into the past or future. On the other hand, having gratitude, focusing and appreciating what we do HAVE, grounds us in the present which promotes feelings of well-being and joy. I’m as susceptible as anyone to falling into this state of WANT, but when I do, I utilize these quotes by Dickens and Tolle for inspiration and then meditate on my gratitude list.

 
“Reflect upon your present blessings (insert your current blessings during mediation/reflection time), of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.” Charles Dickens
“Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life (list the good you have during reflection/meditation) is the foundation for all abundance.” Eckhart Tolle