The last submission in the Gratitude series. My hope is all of us have learned how much expressing gratitude can change our lives for the better.

This last week of November let’s focus on how we can show gratitude and appreciation for our own personalities. Most of us can look in the mirror and notice all the things we want to change. The challenge is look in the mirror and appreciate what you see.

Remember, our focus is not only on our outside appearance but those qualities that make up our character. Who are we in relationship with others: our family, spouse, children, sibling, parents, extended family, coworkers, neighbors, and community.

Do we see ourselves as they do?

I point this out to many of the people I work with – I wish you could see you the way I see you. For some people, this is really difficult. It means taking a risk to see ourselves in a positive way. It’s about taking a really deep breath and allowing your inner self to shine through. One of my favorite positive affirmations is “I am enough.” Believe this every single day.

Choose one quality about yourself and reflect on it. You could choose a different quality for each day or choose one quality and reflect on it over the week. Each one of us is unique and brings something special to the day. What is it about yourself that you are willing to share with others? How have you changed a coworker’s day? And you have. Simply by being you.

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, and a stranger into a friend.”- Melody Beattie.

I wish all of you a healthy, safe holiday. Enjoy and share your gratitude with others.

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Tina L. O’Connor, MS, NCC is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has a private counseling practice in Parkesburg. Tina attended college in Phoenixville and West Chester. Tina and her husband Doug have three amazing adult stepchildren and two beautiful grandchildren. Tina can be reached at Experience Positive Therapy via telephone at (610) 857-8089 or email at exppostherapy1@verizon.net.

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