🌺 Living Aloha: Finding Gratitude IN Every Moment

Dear Courageous One, 

Here in Hawaii we would say, “Happy Aloha Friday!” In our local culture we tend to use this phrase to celebrate the last day of the work week. It symbolizes the gratitude we have for the weekend ahead and reminds us to show one another aloha (kindness, love, and grace) on a day that could be filled with fatigue, stress and overwhelm.

The word “Aloha” isn’t just a word. Like so many other “words” in Hawaiian, it’s much more than a simple phrase or letters put together. Aloha is a lifestyle. Aloha is a choice. Aloha is a way of being. 

When I think of Aloha, the word gratitude comes to mind. When one lives a life from a foundation of gratitude, they will too live a life of Aloha. 

As we step into another weekend, I share this local Hawaiian phrase with you to remind you to find gratitude in today and every day. Especially in the relationships you find most challenging. 

I’m guilty of letting life get to me. The hustle and bustle of the day, driving home in traffic, hungry for an afternoon snack, hot from the afternoon sun - it all adds up. Yesterday, when we all came home from school and work Denver made a comment that I took offense to. It wasn’t a horrible comment but the story I told myself was this… “he’s been taking out his frustrations from work on us all week and today I had enough.” 

So a snarky remark came out of my mouth when he came up to me and said something kind, “oh so now you feel like being nice?!” Yes yes. I’m a bit of a sassy pants. Sarcasm was my first language. Can you relate? 

You see, when I was in my darkest hour and when we were on the brink of divorce (the first time), I challenged myself to think of 3 things I was grateful for for my husband BEFORE I shared my frustration or any unkind comment. 

I did NOT do that yesterday. I let my trigger get the best of me and engaged without first tapping into the energy of gratitude. Funny thing is, I’m actually hosting a gratitude challenge next week. I’ve been leaning into practicing more gratitude in my life overall recently, and yet, here I was still not using it when I needed it the most. 

Now can you relate to that? Not using the tools you know you have sometimes? 

Well, either way, it was simply a reminder for me to deepen my practice and fine tune my skills in the moment it matters the most. In my relationships. With the people I love.

I extend that reminder to you today. If frustration, anger, resentment, or even sadness has been filling your marriage or any other area of your life, I highly encourage you to engage in a practice of gratitude. To find gratitude IN every moment. No matter the circumstance or conditions. 

You can ask yourself: What am I grateful for today? What good did I witness this week? When did I feel loved this month? Who am I thankful to have in my life? 

These are all questions that will help you enter into the energy of gratitude. 

Until next time, keep questioning, keep challenging, and above all, keep loving fiercely.

Yours Truly,

Your Marriage Mindshift Coach

P.S. If you’re interested in joining my 5-day Go-Giver Gratitude challenge that starts Monday and you haven’t registered yet, click HERE to join us. It’s FREE and doesn’t require you to jump on any live calls.