What I learned:  This week I learned and reflected on the idea of growth being similar to growing our muscles.  We can do a workout and feel really great at the time but then the next day our muscles can become sore from what we did.  This soreness and tenderness can make it hard for a time to walk or do things.  However that soreness is helping our muscles become even stronger.  And just like that idea of soreness maybe we also feel like this when we are uncomfortable in life and going through something hard.  All of this is good and it is making us stronger as we go through it.  

I also am so happy that I have my gratitude practice.  Just after reflecting for a few minutes I notice how my mood improves.  There are so many benefits to looking for things that you are grateful for and it especially makes a difference the longer you do the practice.  I have been writing what I am grateful for regularly now for almost 3 years and it has helped me get through a lot.  One things that stand out was that I started this just before my mom died and it has helped me get through the grief.  

I love the quote by Martin Seligman If a person could do only one thing to increase their health and happiness, expressing gratitude might be it. Martin Seligman, a pioneer in the field of Positive Psychology, has remarked, “when we take time to notice the things that go right – it means we’re getting a lot of little rewards throughout the day” (BrainyQuote, n.d.). (article below is where the quote is from)