Before Gratitude, There Was Mindfulness

Lately, I've been wanting to value "mindfulness" and "gratitude."

The trigger was a YouTube video I happened to watch.

I don't remember everything in it, but one thing stuck with me.

That is,

"If you don't live mindfully, gratitude is hard to come by."

I thought, that's certainly true.

When I'm busy, I'm always thinking about what's next, next, next.

I think about my next schedule while brushing my teeth, think about work while eating, and before I know it, my mind is sprinting at full speed.

Of course, there's no room for gratitude there.

Gratitude just says,

"I'll come back when you've calmed down a bit,"

and leaves.

That's why lately, I've been conscious of taking "one breath."

Oh, I'm flustered.

Oh, I'm rushing.

When I think that, I just take one breath.

That's all.

But strangely enough, I feel like just that makes me a little more mindful.

And when I become mindful, I pay attention to the present moment.

I was able to eat today, too.

This coffee is delicious.

My family is doing well.

I notice such small things.

Then, naturally,

"Thank you"

is what I want to say.

Rather than trying hard to be grateful,

first, live mindfully.

Maybe that's the right order.

If I feel like I'm going to rush today, I'll take one breath.

I suppose I'm still a work in progress. Haha.