Here’s a thought I’d like to share…
Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. ~Melodie Beattie
I have this bottle of lotion that I use a small amount of every day. It’s almost empty and so I leave it upside down so I can get the remaining lotion out more easily. The last time I used it, I found myself a bit impatient because there was still more left in the bottle, and thus, I couldn’t throw it away yet.
My brand new bottle sits, unopened, in the cabinet, and because it’s full, I wouldn’t have to balance it on its end or coax the lotion from the bottle. It’s easier, faster.
However, I felt compelled to use every drop from the old bottle.
And there’s nothing wrong with using every drop. For me, I could even call it the “right” thing to do. So my reaction surprised me… and piqued my curiosity.
Pausing with curiosity, I realized is that I wasn’t irritated because there was more lotion in the bottle, but instead, I was irritated with the “inconvenience” of having to use the end of the old bottle.
In a flash, I was laughing at myself. After all, it’s my choice to use the very end of the lotion. I’ve already purchased more, so it’s not like I’m running out. But, for some reason, I was ready to be done with the old one.
Digging under the “ready to be done” reaction, I realized I was feeling hurried and “under the gun” about a couple of current deadlines – it had NOTHING to do with the lotion!
“Okay — that makes more sense.”
And with that realization, I softened again.
“Of course you’re feeling a bit pressured, but you’ve got this. It’s all good stuff and you’ll be just fine.”
My irritation melted into appreciation — not just for the last drops of lotion, but for all the wonderful things I have opted to have in my life, that, even though they may sometimes push me, make my life full and rich.
…the pause, the shift, the appreciation… I am blessed to have enough, and so much more.
Wishing you every last drop of abundance,
Namasté Augusta