It has been a challenging year for everyone and 2021 is right around the corner. I personally have gone through my share of bouts of depression and despair. I’ve gained weight because it and have awaken in the wee hours of the morning just to find out I’ve got at least 2 – 3 hours until my alarm goes off. The uncertainty of what the next day brings has brought me back to being fearful of the future. I started to stress over the health and safety of family members and friends. Let’s face it the year of 2020 will go down in our minds as a year of challenges and growth.
Personally, I had to back to basics with my spiritual path. I had to get back to a routine of spiritual nourishment, just like having meals. I began my routine with just making sure that my alter was open with sunlight and the scent of a lit incense stick. I’d do this for a couple of weeks, missing a day or two. Then I started to sit and say a quick prayer in the morning, which lasted a few weeks. Before I knew it I was starting my day by sitting in front my alter, chant, and say my prayers (of course after I got dressed). I been consistent with this spiritual routine for months. There have been days when anxiety would keep me glued to the TV, but trust my morning routine was still on point, I’d start my day with prayer in front of my alter.
Because of these growing pains that I’ve been undergoing through the pandemic, heated political climate, the state of emergency of this country, etc., it has pushed me to see what I couldn’t because of my fears. Gratitude tops the list. I had to remember to practice gratitude. Appreciation for the things that we have now are overlooked and taken for granted, because the darkness has become our focal point day in and day out.
Just as it states in Galatian 6:7,
“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap.”
Florence Scovel Shinn, American artist and author
“Florence Scovel Shinn Quotes.” BrainyQuote.com. BrainyMedia Inc, 2020. 29 November 2020. https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/florence_scovel_shinn_155113
The power of our thoughts helps determine our actions and its outcome. Therefore, if our thoughts are constantly negative then its outcome manifests things like a “bad” day, unexpected life crisis, and such. Easier said than done, right?! For that reason, it has taken me this long to write again, I had train myself to think positively again, even through the muck of 2020.
Just as the quote says, “You will be a failure, until you impress your subconscious with the conviction that you are a success.” Impress your subconscious with gratitude and you’ll remember the successes you have in your life. Impress your subconscious with positive affirmations throughout the day, everyday, see what happens.
And don’t forget to smile, you’re beautiful!
Stay blessed,
Arlyn