Have you ever started something with great anticipation? I’m talking about something you’re so ecstatic to get going on. The kind of thing where you’re grateful for the opportunity to learn or try new things?
A thing that brings you joy – that kind of thing!
The thing that is something-something you are meant to be or do with life. You aren’t finished yet, you’ve just started to grow. Even if the seasons are changing, you can still find gratitude in all the stages.
Joy is the simplest form of gratitude. – Karl Barth
But, there are moments when the going gets tough, and the newness has diminished off, you feel defeated, wondering why you even took the risk to try to do whatever it is you set out to do. You feel worn, weathered, and ready to just quit.
I am positive we all have moments in life like that in life.
Blogging and photography are like that for me. I love both. I feel so fulfilled by writing something that I’m proud of or capturing a photo I’m amazed I was able to capture. I’m not sure why, but it is fun to me.
It isn’t as easy as it looks though. Sometimes it all just feels like a jumbled mess.
And that’s the tough part and the part that makes it easier to just stop, or not get started again.
I’m reaching out, but my seeds of ideas have vanished in the wind. I wonder if I’m strong enough to hold on and wait for new ideas to pop up or not. Will I really have to wait until spring to feel inspired, or can I find beauty and inspiration right where I’m at?
Those are the moments when I’ve transferred the feelings of gratitude for why I’m doing it off to someone else. Someone else who I’m hoping to reach or help or touch by my words or photos. I’ve stopped taking on the responsibility for my own happiness.
Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation. – Brian Tracy
I have to remind myself that my appreciation for what I’m doing brings me happiness and that’s why I do it. When I do that, I try again. I take another chance. I grab my camera and get inspired. I change my view and look at something else that grabs my attention. Something that perseveres and keeps growing. That’s what I need to do, keep growing and trying.
I take a chance and reach out to others by saying, “I love what you did, it is awesome. We think a lot alike. Thank you for sharing.” I express gratitude and share the empty space I’ve been feeling. It’s like adding a splash of color to my gray feeling.
And then, out of the blue, my efforts to keep on going pay off. Like the moment someone stumbles upon something I wrote. Or when I’ve taken a risk and reached out to someone else by telling them how I appreciated their work. They respond in kind and then a spark lights again and I feel a bit revived. I’m grateful for moments of encouragement.
My own moments or by someone like you who shares the same feelings. Thank you for stopping by! May you, too, find moments of gratitude.
At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. – Albert Schweitzer
Gratitude – The Daily Post – every day prompts
