26 Nov Gratitude in 2020?
2020 has been a challenging year for everyone. But despite the chaos, uncertainty, and anxiety brought about by 2020, I see myself looking back at the past year and I realize that I truly have a lot to be grateful for.
I AM THANKFUL FOR…
MY HEALTH. I am embarrassed to admit it, but I often take it for granted. However, now more than ever, I wake up thankful that my body is healthy and it allows me to do the things I love and be able to expand on them. I have been better at self care and making more effort to nourish both my body and my soul. This year, I fell in love with paddleboarding, climbed Half Dome, ventured out on my bike again after my accident, went snowboarding after more than 10 years, and I jumped off an airplane. I am so excited to see what is next in store for me!
MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY. Words could not even begin to describe my love for these amazing people. They have gotten me through the end of a very long relationship, the loss of my dear Mickey, and isolation from a global pandemic. I literally would not be here without their love and support. Because of them, I was able to start a new business, Worthy Goods, and truly helped me realize what I am capable of.
MY INCREDIBLE WORKPLACE, TEAM, AND PATIENTS. They make coming to work so much fun and bring me something to look forward to every time I’m in the clinic. I have the best patients and I adore that my patients and I enjoy each other equally. I am also thankful to be surrounded by incredible mentors who I learn from everyday and talented peers that keep me on my toes. I only hope that everyone is able to experience such a rewarding career that they love and allow them the opportunity to grow and expand.
MY SPIRITUAL JOURNEY. It hasn’t always been an easy road, because I was always afraid of what I would see when I look inward. Meditation was initially tough (it still is a lot of times) as my mind would always race, jump from one thought to the next, check off my to-do list, and more. But those short, blissful moments of clarity and pure emptiness are worth practicing everyday. I have been using this incredible app called Insight Timer and it is so helpful even for the most novice of meditators. I also got reintroduced to Nichiren Buddhism, which really resonates with me for its very personal, approachable, and intuitive approach. It teaches that all people are capable of manifesting Buddhahood in this lifetime and that we all inherently have the ability to transcend suffering in our lives.
TALK THERAPY. Has truly changed my life. I know most people cringe at this, but mental health is something that we should be able to talk about. I would not be where I am today without my incredible therapist, Carol Pulido. She has enabled me to recognize my emotions, feel my feelings, and slowly learn to express them. I am also learning healthier ways on how to be, avoid codependency, how to communicate what I want and need, recognize and deal with my anxiety, practice self love, and slowly allowing myself to be vulnerable. She has also helped me open up to new facets of myself I never fully embraced. Now, I am watercolor painting, sculpting, writing more poetry, and even exploring composing music.
EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING THAT HAS GOTTEN ME HERE. I truly have no regrets. I am thankful for everything that has happened to me and everyone that have passed through my life, as I have learned so much from them. All of these have shaped me into the woman I am today. And for that I am TRULY GRATEFUL.
Lots of love,
Paula
