Finding Gratitude for yourself

Gratitude.

This is a common discussion right now since we are approaching Thanksgiving, Christmas and the whole holiday season in general.

In meditation I challenged my yogis to pick three things they were grateful for in their own souls. Maybe it is their work ethic, discipline, patience with loved ones, kindness, their bodies, ability to cook, to paint, to sing. Whatever they found within themselves, I asked them to list and focus on three things.

It's too normal to be shamed for loving yourself, and you may hear that and think "what the heck is Kelsey talking about", but think about it. We don't want to accept compliments from others, it's hard to claim ownership of hard work without playing it down, we often put down the things we love or work hard at, just so we don't sound too cocky or excited.

In my opinion though, if you're not passionate, annoyingly excited, and absolutely enthralled with life and yourself, then what the heck are you doing? Learn to love yourself, for all the struggles, the bad hair days, the snorting laughs, the puffy eyes in the morning; embrace it all. I would rather be crazy, too optimistic, overly excited, and obsessed, than living without those emotions.

I challenge you to not only find gratitude for the outer things; friends, family, food etc. But also for yourself. For accomplishments, for growth, for putting in work when it's really freaking hard. This is a form of self love, and it's so, so important.

For me, I am grateful that I put so much energy into my yoga trainings, because it's what brings me joy and will only benefit me through life.

I am grateful for my openness, because it feels natural and right.

I am grateful for my body's ability to move, to feel, and I hope to preserve it.

I am grateful for the hardships I have gone through, because they have taught me strength.

Most importantly, I am simply grateful to exist.