Page 7 - Hawaii Renovation - Dec 25, 2016

ALICE INOUE
Why an attitude of gratitude is key
going well. But count- ing your blessings when things become challeng- ing takes courage and can work miracles, whether you are dealing with a broken hear t, the end of a marriage or job, fac- ing challenges with your family or having a serious health ailment.
Something to be thank- ful for can be found in every situation in your life, no matter how you perceive it today. So, no matter what you are go- ing through, keep that gratitude corner fresh and new by updating it with each new challenge so that your focus always is on the positive.
Do you have a ques- tion for Alice? If so, send it to alice@yourhappinessu. com.Alice Inoue owns Hap- piness U, a lifestyle studio located at SALT Kakaako where anyone can find positive inspiration and high-level guidance to mini- mize stress and optimize modern day life! YourHap- pinessU.com.
QUESTION OF THE WEEK: I hope you will an- swer my question with re- gard to gratitude. I’ve heard of “gratitude walls” and “gratitude corners.” What do you think of these? Our family is going through a challenging time.
It’s easy to get caught up in all the negativity and hardship we face, but a
gratitude area in the home is an excellent reminder to focus on what is good in your life. It can be as simple as an area with items, imag- es or gifts from others, or words of encouragement
and inspiration. A grati- tude area can be powerful, helping to change the way you look at your situation.
“Iamso stressed out”
In a recent conversation with a client, I asked how things were going and he let out a big sigh and said he was really stressed out. He shared that he had star ted a new business, but getting things going was taking more time than he had anticipated. He didn’t have as much financial sta- bility as he wanted, he had just closed on a house, his
License#ABC33131
girlfriend had gotten preg- nant unexpectedly, and they wanted to get mar- ried before the baby was born. He felt overwhelmed and stressed on all levels.
“This is great news!” I said. He looked at me as if I were crazy. I then said, “You have so much to be thankful for. You are hav- ing a child, and you have a new house and a promis- ing new business. It sounds to me as if things are going really well! Last year you told me that this is what you wanted in your life
and here you are making it happen!”
Instead of focusing on all the challenging aspects of what was happening, I saw ever ything that he perceived as stressful, as a blessing, something to be appreciative of. This wasn’t about “positive thinking” as much as it was about helping him recognize that what he was seeing as “stress” and labeling as “bad” was an integral part of achieving what he really wanted.
He had been unable to
accept the reality that all challenges have a positive side; so, over the past six months, he made himself miserable by only looking at one side of the chal- lenges. I asked him to voice aloud all the things that were going well in his life, bringing forth a new and present positive focus on the ver y things he saw as challenging.
Count your blessings
Most people count their blessings when things are
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