gratitude

1- if you’re familiar with Schitt’s Creek, this one is of Stevie, David & Patrick 🖤
2- portrait of my 3 daughters 🎄
3- my oldest’s current favorite character: Luffy from One Piece (he loves meat 🍖)

#Glimmers #Gratitude #artastherapy

“I don't have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness - it's right in front of me if I'm paying attention and practicing gratitude.” - Brene Brown

Gratitude can be a small reminder of the things that bring you happiness. Recognizing things you’re grateful for can cultivate joy and make you appreciate the little things.

#MentalHealth #Gratitude #mentalhealthmatters

As my Wife and I continue our European holiday, this morning was quite stressful. When we travel my Wife and I discuss well in advance the itinerary but she leaves all the travel arrangements to me. We always book our own flights and accommodation rather than use a travel agent because we can be more specific about how we travel.

This morning we had to catch a local train for a 30 minute journey to a major train station so that we could get our train from the Czech Republic to Austria.

Ubers have been so good for the last 3 countries but this morning we couldn’t get one no matter what we tried. We had allowed some time buffers but it was getting dire. So in desperation I rang 3 taxi companies but no one spoke English. I then did, what I should have done earlier, I prayed.

Then, a taxi company I had ring contacted me through WhatsApp. They could send a taxi. The taxi was a beat up, old, dirty car. It was however a beautiful sight. We are at the train station and surprisingly the taxi cost the same as the Uber.

God cares about everything in our lives, even catching trains on time.

My Wife and I are 8 days into our European holiday. We are loving our time in beautiful Poland. So often we have to stop and use Google translate to work out what train we should be getting on and what the restaurant menu says.

There have been occasions where we have had no choice but to ask someone for assistance. They have always been willing to help.

Bizarrely, there have been multiple occasions where strangers have asked for help, and miraculously we have been able to assist them. Why us? Back in Australia people would walk past our neighbours house and knock on our door for assistance. In crowded areas people would hone in on us. I wonder if there is a vibe, a sense, that humans emit that communicates that they are open to assist others.

I am always amazed at how much support is available for those of us who struggle with their mental health. Sometimes we might have to hunt for that help but it is there.

The most profound and transformative words we can ever utter are the three words, “I need help”. Please don’t be afraid to ask. You are worthy of assistance!

What if the very existence of your mundane day to day was the answered prayer?

I find as Humans we consistently seek, yearn, ask, beg - particularly in times of struggle to a source for answers.

We fail to understand that this mundane task of folding laundry, mopping the floor and paying yet another past due bill is the sacred answer.

I know this is controversial and hard to grasp.

Yet, I also know deeply within my heart and soul that G-d is speaking to me through these moments.

“You are alive my Beautiful Child”. - I imagine the words beaming from his/her ever loving heart to mine, “For I have created you in the image and likeness.”

So what does this mean?

I can only speak for myself and my many spiritual experiences that have occurred during my most painful, troubled times, which led me to truly believing in a Higher Power.

I now find peace with a smile as I wash the dishes, dust my shelves and pay that daunting bill.

For I AM ALIVE!!!

Another day to feel the sun kiss my skin.

Another moment to hug my loved ones.

Another delicious meal to wake my senses.

Another dance in the kitchen while I hum to myself.

Another belly filled with laughter at lunch with Friends.

Another remarkable gazing up at the starry night sky.

Another tear falling my eye, in grief or joy.

WE are the Prayer.

The Living Prayer of the Human Experience.

Our pain, our struggles, our diagnoses, have not left us unworthy.

Have they made us weathered, yes.

Have they made us question our very existence and beliefs, many times.

Have they also left us more tender and compassionate, yes - always.

We are the Living Prayer - Warrior and Warrioress of the Mighty Light.

#mentalwellness #MightyPoets #Gratitude #BipolarDisorder