This quote has never spoken to me more than right now...
Have you ever experienced a moment in your life when everything just stopped and you thought that this was it, that your life was coming to an end? It's a scary thought, and for me, just a matter of days ago, it became a reality.
I love cars as a lot of you know, but when I found myself sliding down a mountain pass in the wet, on the wrong side of the road, looking through the driver's side window at oncoming traffic...not so much!
Facing death like this (and luckily coming out unscathed) has left me with a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation for life.
A near-death experience can happen in many ways, whether it's a close-call car accident like mine, a health scare, or a natural disaster. In that moment, everything seems to slow down, and you're faced with the reality that life is fragile and fleeting. You realize how much you take for granted and how much you have to be thankful for.
The feeling of thanks and gratitude that comes out of a near-death experience is unlike anything else. It's a mix of relief, happiness, and appreciation all wrapped up into one. You're grateful for the people in your life who support you, the experiences you've had, and the things you've accomplished.
But gratitude isn't just a passing feeling. As I've mentioned many times before, our family share a gratitude practice together around the dinner table every night and it's a practice that can have profound effects on your health and wellbeing. Studies have shown that practicing gratitude can lower stress levels, improve sleep, and even boost your immune system. By taking the time to reflect on what you're thankful for, you can rewire your brain to focus on the positive things in life.
So, how can YOU incorporate gratitude into your life? It's as simple as taking a few minutes each day to reflect on what you're thankful for (like when you brush your teeth etc). It can be something small, like a kind gesture from a friend, or something big, like overcoming a major challenge. You can write it down in a journal, share it with a loved one, or simply reflect on it in your own thoughts.
And it's not just about being thankful for the good things in life. It's also about finding gratitude in the challenges and struggles. When you face a difficult situation, try to focus on the lessons learned and the growth that came out of it.
So, in conclusion, my near-death experience was a frightening and life-altering event, but it was also an important reminder of just how powerful gratitude can be. By practicing gratitude in your everyday life, you too can cultivate a positive outlook and reap the many benefits that come with it.
So take a moment to reflect on what you're thankful for today, and let that feeling of thanks and gratitude guide you towards a happier, healthier life.