I remember the first company car my Father ever received; it was a brand-new Rover with electric windows and a sunroof. It was the early eighties; I was eight or nine, and I thought the world had come alive.
Driving along, with our hands sticking out of the sunroof, the stereo blasting my Fathers beloved Meatloaf and his favourite “Bat out of Hell” album, I will never forget singing along at the top of my voice. This was living, and I felt unstoppable. Life was so exciting, and all my dreams seemed possible.
Listening now to Bat out hell I can still feel my pulse quicken as I remember those joyous moments like they were yesterday. I can feel the energy and the purpose of the song as it builds to a crescendo, I feel my heart race and my energy lift, I can’t help smiling as I realise that anything is possible when we are in this mindset.
So much of the outcomes we achieve in our lives are governed by the way we feel. I’m beginning to believe that we have far more control over “how we feel” than I previously thought. Your mood doesn’t have to be random, and it doesn’t have to be dictated by others.
It’s possible to lift your spirit and improve your mood with the simplest of things, a song we love playing on the radio, the scent of a candle, the smile of someone we love, the warm feeling of the sun on your skin. The key is to notice these things, to celebrate them and to give yourself the time to appreciate them. In doing so, we cultivate a feeling of gratitude for the life we have.
This feeling of gratitude is what we must harness in our pursuit of a happy, fulfilled life. Being happy is about appreciating what you have now rather than seeking more tomorrow. I have started writing a “gratitude” journal in the evenings to record three things that have happened each day that I feel grateful for.
It’s such a simple exercise but one that I wholeheartedly recommend. As you think over the day looking for good things that have happened, you will feel this deep warm glow inside for the life you have. Do please give it a go!
Don’t try to write ten pages; just a few paragraphs are enough. Do it each day, make it a part of your bedtime routine, buy yourself a beautiful book and place it somewhere convenient. No need to share what you write; it is your private record of the little things that bring you joy.
Together, we climb the mountain, not in giant leaps but one small step at a time.
I have been a massive Meatloaf Fan since about 1973, so I remember Bat Out of Hell when it was 1st released, and used to blare it loud in the shower while I sang along at the top of my voice, it became an evening routine.
Thank you for a great blog and reminding me of those halcion days of my late teens and early twenties
I woke up this morning and these were the first words I read…. How motivational! I know I’m going to have a good day today – I’m feeling really positive and will look for the good in even the most challenging things – thank you ! I look forward to trying your scents , all the best for your journey!
Ref my Comment, age is catching up with me …. it was about 77/78 and not 73 when I used to sing loud and clear to Meatloaf in the shower (apologies) … G
I like your blog and todays is particularly poignant because there is so much negativity around. Reminding us all to look for the good things each day is excellent and makes us feel better. Yesterday in the very hot weather I heard people moaning that it was too hot and others saying what gorgeous weather we were enjoying, just proving that not everyone sees the world the same.
I had a good day , not always because I have a heart condition, and today promises to be busy but I will remember your blog and choose three good things.
Thanks Luke and thanks for your wonderful products which I love having in my home and also giving as presents
Gratitude is the key to a life of success, I keep a gratitude journal and every night I write things that I am grateful for, keep up the good work Luke I enjoy the blog, God bless you and your family
Yet another similarity in our daily life.
I chant a gratitude mantra every morning on my woodland/ coastal walk.
I talk about my life , health, family friends.
Then move onto all our precious creatures and all the good things on our planet.
I finish by thanking that minority of people in charge of shaping our lives and urge them to prioritize their actions.
I never ask , only thank.
I really look forward to reading your words of wisdom and encouragement. You should write a book!
I love the idea of a gratitude journal. It’s the next step to my consciously thinking of the good things that happened during each day. If I write them down, then I can look back over them to remind myself when I’m feeling down, tired or even just meh.