What’s right with you?

Whats right with you?

As long as you are breathing, there is more right with you than there is wrong, no matter how ill or how hopeless you may feel.” ~ Jon Kabat-Zinn

I recently came across this quote in a Wilmind blog post, and it really got me thinking. Why do we focus so much on what we perceive as wrong with ourselves and in our lives.

Why do I obsess about the fact that my back hurts or I have a cold when there are so many parts of my body that are functioning well? Even the fact that my body eventually heals itself of the aforementioned maladies is amazing.

Why do I obsess about the extra layer of fat on my thighs when those same legs take me where I need to go, climb stairs, run trails, and make the perfect lap for the grandchildren?

Why do I obsess over something stupid I’ve said instead of the love I’ve expressed or the kind words I’ve offered?

Why do I obsess over the sugar I swore I wouldn’t eat but did and not the healthy fruits and vegetables I snacked on throughout the day or the fact that I got up early to run?

Why the focus on our shortcomings over our strengths? This week I challenge you to make some mental space for celebrating all the things you are doing right and for all of the wonderful things you have in your life.

Here are some suggestions from Wildmind:

  • When you’re driving, notice that you’re driving with care and attention, and celebrate this. Say to yourself things like “Yay, me!”
  • When you’re reading, pause once in a while and rejoice in the fact that you can read.
  • Notice that you’re conscious. What an amazing thing that is! No one has the faintest idea what consciousness is — how matter interacting with matter can create this thing called “experience.” You’re a miracle!
  • Pause and celebrate your good health. Say “thank you” to your body. If you’re in bad health, rejoice in the fact that your body is forever trying to heal itself, and that most things in your body are in fact functioning.
  • Celebrate having access to clean drinking water, clean air, food.
  • Celebrate the fact that you’re alive.

What's right with you?

***Your turn***

  1. What are you celebrating today?
  2. What is one thing that is right with you?

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This post linked to the GRAND Social.

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32 Comments

  1. Great refocussing article! Now that I am getting older I often think that my latest injury might be the start of something bad. Positive talk is really important.

    1. So true Fran. It really hit me when I thought about how much focus we put on the things that aren’t working so well in our bodies, when there are so many amazing things happening all the time, keeping us alive.

  2. Good post, Christie. I keep a gratitude journal where I note three things to celebrate just before I go to bed at night. It’s fascinating to me that there’s more to celebrate simply because I’m paying attention and looking for those positive moments.
    What am I celebrating right now? Autumn – it’s my favourite season.
    And one thing that is right with me? I have a great smile – as do you.

    1. Seems we have a lot in common, Karen. I also keep a “3 good things” journal. I agree it makes me more observant of all the things that go well during the day, and also it’s fun looking back a year later to see what I was celebrating one year ago today. Autumn is my favorite season too. And as you noted, we’re both smilers. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment. Have a terrific Tuesday!

  3. I really loved this post! What a great concept. I’m celebrating my grandson by going to his last flag football game today. What is right about me-I don’t have any food allergies or restrictions so I can eat anything! I’m grateful for that.

    1. Thanks Cindy! I really loved this response. I love to eat, and I hadn’t even thought about how lucky I am not to have any food allergies. Now I have one more thing to celebrate today! Woo hoo!

  4. Hello Christie
    First, I am going to celebrate my intelligent choice to follow your blog!!! I read your guest post on Retirement_Reflections and said, “That’s me, but she stated it so much better than I could have.” So I popped over the your blog and read your post from today. You really hit the nail on the head. The past few weeks I have been dragging my self over the coals for all I perceive is wrong with me and and nothing that is right. How crazy is that? Now that I am free to get back on track, thank you, I will continue with the celebration.
    You next question, What is right with you (me)? I must now answer, everything. There is nothing wrong with me.
    Thanks for the reminder
    Laura

    1. Thank you, Laura, for the kind words. Isn’t it crazy how we beat ourselves up sometimes. We’d never treat our friends that way. I’m glad you are now celebrating your perfection!

  5. I love the challenge and food for thought! Far too often we look at the negative and the work we need to do to be “okay.” Thank you for this… and for sharing in the GRAND Social link party! xoxo

  6. We really need to be kinder to ourselves and each other. Life is good and I’m celebrating the fact that there is way more love than hate, more joy than sorrow.

  7. Oh my. Amen. You said it so well…thank you! Today I am celebrating that we are finally scheduled to get concrete into the footings of our new home. Finally! The one thing that is right with me? I think I figured out that my nightly leg cramps are caused by a lack off magnesium. I read about this in a health blog and started taking magnesium a few weeks ago. Guess what? I haven’t had legs cramps for a few nights now! Yay!

  8. There is lots that is right and there is lots that some might find wrong, but for me they are all alright. This is me and I celebrate my every facet! It’s not easy, but one that I make a part of my daily life. Thanking God for everything that makes me unique and beautiful in the eyes of my creator….

  9. Congratulations! Your post was my feature pick at #WonderfulWednesday this week. Visit me at https://www.marilynstreats.com on Wednesday evening and to see your feature and grab your badge! All hosts choose their own features from the comments left on their blog so be sure to return to my blog for your badge. I invite you to leave more links to be shared and commented upon. Please be sure to leave your link number or post title so we can be sure to visit!

    1. Thank you Marilyn. With all of the lovely posts linked up at #WonderfulWednesday, this is truly an honor. I’m headed over to your blog now to grab the badge and to link up to this week’s party. Thanks again!

  10. Hi Christie, this is a awesome article. Thankfulness is floating around this time of year, but I love your concept of celebrating the everyday things in life. I am so grateful to be able to breath freely a lot of days without any asthma symptoms. It’s those small things in life that are really enormous. And we should remind ourselves of that daily. Thank you for sharing with the Blogging Grandmothers. I have shared on social medial #BloggingGrandmothersLink Party.

    1. Thank you Clearissa. I figure even on the toughest days, I can be grateful for air to breathe, food to eat, and clean water to drink. And hope; there is always hope. Welcome to November!

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