By Kathy Rivera Wallace
“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”
—Albert Einstein
Do you know one of those people who always feel they have it worse than everyone else? And no matter what you say they feel their situation is always worse? I know one of these people very well because several years ago, while living through some tough times, I became that person. It was not intentional; but it happened to me. During this journey, however, something miraculous occurred: I discovered the secret of life. It’s Gratitude and, through this experience, gratitude has become as important to me as my next breath.
At first, it seemed a little weird and way too simple. I chuckled at times and thought, “Well, it can’t hurt, right?” Life was definitely communicating with me as I would see the word gratitude everywhere I went: signs, and even books, would seem to appear with the word gratitude; and I’d hear others talking about gratitude. So I decided to start with a baby step, something I advocate in my brand, Living Vibrantly.
I decided to wake up five minutes before my normal time and, as I was still in bed, I consciously started my gratitude list. Each day I started with a list of five things in my life that I was grateful for. In the beginning, this whole process was a challenge for me.
I did not want to feel good because everything outside of me was so tough.
We were just about to lose our home and business, so feeling gratitude—let alone starting a gratitude process—was not easy, but I started it anyway. After a few days, though, it felt nice, but it was not enough. So, instinctively I started to attach a memory or memories to the five things that I was grateful for, and that’s when I noticed something significant: My thoughts were being transformed into feelings. And guess what? My life started to shift. Little by little, I began to notice the light in my situation, and for the first time in years hope and love returned. Eventually hope and love took center stage!
As I look back, I find it ironic that through challenging times, I learned the power and importance—the gift—of gratitude.
Just like most people, I had heard about gratitude many times before in my life. Unfortunately, the true meaning was unintentionally diluted just because “life happens” and, therefore, more important things take priority, or so I thought. Once I applied the gift of gratitude into my daily life, as a priority, that’s when the magic started, and it has not stopped.
I love sharing the miracle of gratitude in my life. Yes, this concept is so simple, yet it works. When I first started, I remember saying to myself this is too good to be true; however, even the great scientist Albert Einstein understood the significance of gratitude on a daily basis. I started this article with one of my favorite quotes of all time. It spoke volumes to me when I first read it, and it still does. I remember as if it were yesterday when I first came across this quote. I was looking for validation to my gratitude process, that it would not be a waste of time or energy. The quote appeared and it was the perfect answer; although, in my heart I already knew this to be true. I knew instinctively what Einstein was referring to.
As the magic started in my life, I noticed that I became more detached from the circumstances around me.
My heart, body, and mind were now being fueled with hope, love, and inspiration—instead of worry, fear, and regret.
In addition, I got a beaded bracelet to wear on days that I needed more encouragement. Whenever I looked down at my bracelet, I intentionally stepped into that state of gratitude and felt those five things along with the specific memories that I associated with them. Later on, I increased it from five to 10 things I was grateful for and it continued to work.
You can start right now and make a commitment to incorporate the power of gratitude into your new year. It’s super easy, and it is fun to do! I loved taking time for my gratitude process as the first thing I do each morning. The morning works great for me, but if this time does not work for you pick the best time in your day, but be consistent. The important part is that you commit to starting the process, taking those first baby steps. The rest will fall into place.
Do your gratitude process everyday and attach a memory to your gratitude thoughts. After a week, if you feel guided, then increase it from five to 10 things you are grateful for and watch how the magic reveals itself to you! It is amazing and when you experience it. You will see life as more colorful, more vibrant.
I cannot wait until you experience the beautiful music gratitude plays in your life. It is something so personal and beautiful. I would love to hear from you. Email me at kathy.r.wallace@gmail.com and share with me your stories. Cheers to you as you discover gratitude on you journey and continue to Live Vibrantly!
Kathy “Katica” Rivera Wallace lives her own brand, Living Vibrantly. Katica earned her degree in business and marketing. After years of the corporate grind, Katica worked with her husband to grow their family business, as she continued volunteering in her community. Her naturally giving spirit was reinvigorated through these experiences, leading her on a path of self-improvement with an emphasis on gaining knowledge and certifications that would allow her to help others Live Vibrantly. She achieved certifications in Hypnotherapy, Qi Gong, Food Healing and Ancestral Clearing. Kathy also studied and practices Transcendental Meditation (Maharishi Mahesh Yogi). She achieved certifications in Hypnotherapy, Qi Gong and Food Healing. Through her award-winning webcast, Katica: Living Vibrantly, that seeks to help her audience live a vibrant life by aligning body, mind and spirit. Visit www.katicatv.com.
