Written by contributing blogger, Daniela Forte.

I can’t honestly say I have been grateful for everything this year. While I have had some wonderful moments happen and I have met some new people who have shown me kindness I hadn’t seen in a long time, I found gratitude to be lacking in my life.

I have instead spent most of the year overanalyzing things I have no control over, I have brutally beaten myself up for other people’s mistakes, I have spent time being so busy traveling for work that I forgot to stop. I didn’t think, “Wow, I am healthy, I have a loving family and great friends, I am grateful.”

Nope. I did not do that. I should have done that, I should have let go of the things that hurt so much this year, the things I worried about the most and just be.

So, what can I tell you in the last month of the year? If you have had a similar year as I have, spend the last few weeks of the year reflecting on what you are grateful for. Put aside what hurt you, what worried you, what kept you awake at night this year and look forward.

A few days ago, I started a list of possibilities. Things I hope to happen in the future for my life. Whether it was buying a home, finding happiness, letting go of people and situations that are toxic and just being in the present moment.   My list of possibilities isn’t long yet, and it is ongoing. I imagine this will be a list I continue throughout 2018 as new experiences happen in my life.

I recommend that if you’re going crazy finding gifts for other people, you find a gift for yourself too. As you’re attending holiday parties, you spend some time with yourself. Don’t feel compelled to attend everything you are invited to.

Enjoy the little things and treating yourself with kindness. One night recently before bed I put on this holiday scented body lotion and I don’t know what it was, but I was so proud of myself for treating myself with some kindness, even if it was only body lotion.

I have started to look ahead at least through the month of January with plans I have for the year. No resolutions, just some quiet plans. This is a good time to do that. This is a good time to simply be grateful for all that you have accomplished this year, all of the kindness bestowed upon you, all of the good that is in your life.

If there is one lesson I learned this year, is to spend time with people who value you. Spend time with people who are grateful to have you in their lives. Life is far too short not to.

#radiatedaily

image source – pixabay