In Gratitude

When was the last time you made a "Love List"? Creating a "Love List" has to do with taking the time to recognize and honor the things in life that you absolutely love. Maybe you enjoy the simplicity of an afternoon breeze, spending time with your loved ones, enjoying a yummy 5-course meal, or _____________________ (fill in the blank).
This list has to do with whatever it is that makes you feel good, alive, or smile. I'm sure you already have a running mental tab of the things that you enjoy, though it can be beneficial to take some time to create your list. Over the next few days, week (s) or month take the time to be aware and pay attention to what brings you joy in your life.
Creating this list will give you more insight into the themes of your life. It will allow you to gain a greater perspective on your values and beliefs. For when you smile, I believe it is often at times when your soul is awakened to what is happening outside of you. It is a time when your inner and outer worlds connect at a place of true awareness and enjoyment.
After you have created this list, ask yourself:

1) Does my list reveal a certain theme (s) about my life?
2) Does my list say anything about what I value or believe?
3) Do I take the time to enjoy the things I've placed on my list?
4) What might be missing from my list that I would like to start enjoying in my life now?

Simply taking part in this activity can significantly shift your perspective, as it invites you to take a look at the finer things in life. This will naturally place you into a more joyous state, because as I have said before, your thoughts create your reality and your mind is generally in control of how you react to what is happening around you. When you place your sights and thoughts into a place of joyous awareness you have been able to successfully practice the idea of "in sight, in mind". When you can awaken to the joys in your life, you place them at the top of your thought order thus providing you with a much lighter outlook on life.