Stacking Gratitude

This morning I went to the gym.  During this session I had multiple moments of feeling like a badass and pathetic (listing reasons why I can never be in the shape I used to be in BC of my torn shoulder & recovering from surgery).It wasn't until AFTER the gym that I realized something thanks to a new episode of one of my favorite YouTube interview series called 'IMPACT THEORY', hosted by Tom Bilyeu.

On this episode, Tom interviews a now new favorite person of mine to learn from, Ed Mylett.

And this is not to say that I haven't known some of these things before or said them myself. But it was the REMINDER that got me.  The reminder was this... STACKING GRATITUDE.

I have been so guilty, especially lately of listing what my issues are first before things that are not. The work on oneself doesn't stop at just the body or making up positive affirmations, but it extends to finding some peace in knowing that sometimes it can be worse, and it's not. I used to be in amazing shape.  I worked out 1 & 1/2 hrs a day to 2 hours a day and was getting ready to compete in my first men's physique competition. Instead I tore my shoulder in 3 places and have had to undergo surgery and months of recovery and physical therapy.  I am over 25lbs lighter now due to muscle loss and have trouble lifting even groceries.  BUT YOU KNOW WHAT? I could have lost my whole damn arm.  At least it's still attached.  My sadness over what was lost has kept too much of a hold on me for too long.  I am choosing to let it go & continue to build towards other goals.  And while I may not look as good with my shirt off as some "muscle-stacked adonis dude" anymore, I am PROUD of the work it has caused me to put in mentally and career wise. 

I m thankful for what I do have.  My family.  My friends. A car that currently runs.  Running water.  The ability to make others happy for a living and to also create films and photographs that surprise even myself at times.  I am grateful.  I am.  

Remember what is GOOD about your life to help battle what you may view as negative.  There is always something to still find gratitude in.  Even if your entire life is misery, and everything has been lost, you can still help others and remind them of what they have to be grateful for and in turn re-find what that feels like for yourself.

List the reasons.  In the morning or at night.  STOP letting what you think is WRONG ruin what is going right. 

Stack gratitude. Stack gratitude. Stack gratitude.