How many of you have been blessed with the experience of having an imperfect life? Whether your family life was a little less than normal, your personal decisions cost you in the end or you’re simply in transition and trying to live out your purpose, it can be easy to allow your past regrets, pains and shame to become lingering distractions in the way you are currently working to live your life.
I’ve certainly been guilty of not being able to focus on the blessings God has given me, crying about everything I don’t have, didn’t have, wanted and still desire. But this morning I woke up with a spirit of thanks. Thanks that, in the words of Kanye West, “Everything I’m not made me everything I am”.
Here’s my list of things that I can focus on right now to enjoy living in the present. What’s on your list?
- My health! A few years ago I was battling PCOS and although it wasn’t a major condition it affected me so much with worry and anxiety that there were days I simply couldn’t function. Today I am blessed to continue to have good health, the ability to walk, breathe and excite in life.
- My friends! My friends have really become a major support system in my life. This past year my friends kept me lifted by praying for me, helping me with a few projects and simply being there to make me laugh.
- New opportunities! Everyday brings something new. Whether it’s taking a Samba class in Venice, California, working with beauty brands to develop effective marketing strategies or simply enjoying the opportunity to re-connect with long lost relatives, it is a true blessing to share the joy, skills, talents and zest of life with others.
Sherrell Dorsey is a natural beauty expert, writer, speaker and advocate of health, wellness and sustainability in communities of color. In addition to creating OrganicBeautyVixen.com, Sherrell writes beauty articles for Tyra Banks’s beauty and fashion site TypeF.com, Jones Magazine, MySalonScoop.com and Posh Beauty. Follow Sherrell on twitter at www.twitter.com/organicvixen and connect with her on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/
This was a GREAT article, definitely should try to take time to give thanks! I am SOO grateful for even knowing who God is, without Him, I probably would ONLY focus on the bad in my life. God always manages to remind me of who He is in my life. 🙂
I am only 24 but I have been through things that usually a much older person would have been through. Some years ago I lost my first daughter/child at birth. God has since blessed me with two of the most amazing children ever but losing my child made me appreciate and be so thankful for the two children that are in this world with me this has made me a much better parent then most young women my age. I am also thankful for my grandmother the woman who put her life on hold to raise me when my parents where unable too she gave me a life that I am so thankful too have because it could be so much different without her
Hey curly Nikki you are really superb.
I try to wake up every morning and thank God for doing so. Meditating and taking time out of the day also helps ease some of the chaos.
I am thankful for my faith, my family and my friends. I was once angry and blamed everyone and everything for what I thought I deserved and did not have. I've since learned to love my 'blessings'. No, I did not grow up in impoverished surroundings, I had a two parent household. I recently told my sibling that I felt my father could have done more, financially, but I realize everyone grows and matures at their own pace. Present day…I wouldn't go back and change a thing. I AM gragetful.
I find myself forgetting about all my blessings too. But there's ALWAYS something to be thankful for. Right now I'm focusing on me! And although things might not be happening as planned, I can't be stressed about it, but instead just remember the other blessings that I do have. I might not be in my dream career (yet) but at least I have a job now! And although I might not be driving a brand new car, at least I have one that gets me around. I'm working on bettering the things I do have, but not forgetting the blessings as well.
Im glad I saw this article, I am thankful that I am in good health and living life!
I am thankful that I received an education with my BS in Biology.
I am thankful that God has kept me a live this far!
I am thankful to have loving friends in my life.
I am thankful for my family!
I too depend upon God for everything. He really is all (not only) that I need.
I have PCOS too, and what a pain it can be. Although it initially affected my fertility, God blessed me with two beautiful children, something that I will forever be grateful for.
Now I'm just waiting for complete healing of PCOS and hirsutism (especially) and everything else that comes along with PCOS.
Thank you for your God centered attitude.
I am thankful that I have the privilege to speak with God anytime and about anything I want.
Thankful that I raised 3 handsome, physically, spiritually, and emotionally healthy sons as a single mother.
Thankful that even though I do not have a lot of friends, God has always provided one or two speacial people in my life for support just when I need it most.
Finally, but definitely not least. I am thankful for Nikki and the curlynikki community. You have reduced the amount of emotional pain associated with coming to terms with and caring for my natural hair. Thank you.
Minin
I focus on where I am. I was once a struggling single mother, and now I'm a military wife, stay at home mom, and my occupation is school. God has taken me out of my comfort zone, and planted me across the country, and since I've been here… I've been finding myself. I'm healthier, I'm happier, and I blessed.
I have found that the word of God and the peace He promises is what will keep me grounded….and sane in this crazy world! We have so much going on in our lives (work, school, children, stress) and we have to find our "happy place". My happy place is in Christ! What a wonderful place to be!