Last Saturday, 21st September, was National Gratitude Day. It passed me by because I was at a seminar. I was listening to a speaker who really demonstrated the value of gratitude for our physical, mental and emotional health.
Pat with Judy Van Niekerk
Judy Van Niekerk was born in Ireland. For 20 years she was imprisoned by her father and subjected to sexual and physical abuse. She finally escaped and went to South Africa where she became a serial entrepreneur. Working with tribal leaders she established vineyards in Kwa-Zulu Natal. She is now dedicated to developing social entrepreneurship so that businesses can give a positive return to society.
Amazingly Judy says that she forgave her father before he died and she is grateful for what happened to her. She says that she grew up with a strong sense of self-love. Every day while she was imprisoned she looked in the mirror and talked to her inner soul.
I work with many clients going through menopause who experience, stress, low mood and anxiety. I often give them a simple exercise to do. I give them a notebook and I ask them to make a note at the end of every day of three positive things that they have noticed during the day that they are grateful for. They don’t have to be big things. They can be as simple as a smile, a beautiful sunrise or a kind word. Keeping a gratitude journal every day can move you out of depression and into a more positive state of mind.
So don’t wait another year for National Gratitude Day. Make a note now of the three gifts you have received today.
You can read more about Judy at www.JudyVanNiekerk.com
