Gratitude – A Powerful Cure for PMS

I woke up this morning feeling fresh and rested. Yesterday my boyfriend and I went for an hour and half hike at the Topanga State Park. It was a somewhat strenuous hike with a lot of ups and downs on narrow winding trails. But the beautiful ocean view, and later the spectacular sunset, made it worth every ounce of sweat.

I was exhausted afterwards and fell asleep while watching Paul Newman’s “The Verdict.” It is amazing how exercise and a restful night’s sleep can make you feel. I often wake up feeling sluggish and tired. But not today! Today I feel like a million dollars, and I’m ready to embrace the world – the sunshine, the nice fall breeze, and all of it…

Today I feel grateful. There is so much to be grateful for – the love and abundance in my life, the joy of following my passion, my health, my family, and the community I live in. When I feel good, I naturally feel grateful for every blessing in my life. But when I don’t feel good, I seem to forget most of my blessings.

This is interesting. I wonder if gratitude might be a powerful cure for PMS, or our unhappiness.

Instead of fighting hard at PMS, and trying to get rid of it, maybe we can be grateful for it.

It helps us connect with feelings that we sometimes discount or suppress; it reminds us to get the rest that we really need; and it helps us to ask for some attention and appreciation from our loved ones.

“Well, it’s easier said than done, especially when I am feeling lousy.” Did I hear you say that? I would agree with you. Still, I believe gratitude is a habit that can be cultivated when we are feeling good. And the more we practice it the more it will be there to serve us in our not so good days.

What are you grateful for today?