The first few years after my divorce, I was focused on all the things that I didn’t have—a husband, a second income, the father of my children in the house sharing responsibilities, etc. While it is normal to grieve after a loss, it wasn’t healthy for me to ruminate in my grief.

Gradually, however, I started to evolve and change. I knew I had to make adjustments, and I desperately wanted to be happy. So, I went to the drugstore, bought a big neon yellow posterboard, and I made a list of the Top 10 Things I Am Grateful For:

1) I am healthy.
2) My two children are healthy.
3) I live in picturesque, beautiful mountain country.
4) I have a family that loves me although they are far away.
5) I have friends who care deeply for me.
6) I was born in a country that allows women to have opportunities.
7) I have a successful business.
8) I know God loves me.
9) I have an education.
10) Nothing stays the same…time heals all wounds.

I hung the poster in my bathroom, and I read through all 10 statements every day. Gradually, my attitude started to change. It wasn’t magic; I didn’t instantly become this super content person overnight, but that poster marked the beginning of a new way of thinking for me. I realized that yes, there was much that I didn’t have, important things, but there was more that I DID have. Just having my physical health alone was a huge blessing and that was just the beginning. I made it a point to start focusing more on what I did have and cultivated a gratitude mentality. It’s amazing how that one tweak can move mountains.

So, focus on what you DO have instead of what you are lacking, and be grateful for those blessings and see what amazing things start to happen for you. The Universe is alive and well and just as a parent feels the overwhelming urge to want to give their child more when they show gratitude and appreciation for the gifts they have been already given, so too will The Universe act in accordance for YOU.

—Peace, Love, & Baklava Forever,
Rita