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“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.”― Abraham Lincoln
These 'thorns' or things we dislike about ourselves are hinderances to fulfilling our lives to their utmost potential. They begin to slowly bleed away at our choices and the basic joy of living.
Today's challenge is to make a list (actually write it down) of 'thorns' that bother you about who you are or how you are perceived. Include anything you are self conscious about or feel guilty about. Nothing is off limits. Include anything mind, body, and soul you dislike or would like to change.
After completing the list take each item and write a statement about how that item is something to be grateful for. For example I was self conscious about how my personality is perceived in the workplace. I've been asked by supervisors to be 'nicer,' 'more feminine,' and to 'not outshine my supervisors.' It used to annoy me and I would try to do as I was asked. After years of being unhappy about my personality and trying to bend myself into something I'm not, I finally embraced me without apology. When asked to be 'nicer' or 'more feminine' I would explain that I was a leader and 'nicer' isn't part of that. If asked 'not to outshine my supervisors' I would explain I have a good work ethic and that was that. I changed the 'thorn' into my strength and by doing so it no longer has any power over me or my life.
You may need to be mindful of how you think about yourself and your thorns. If you find yourself struggling with this exercise, try to going back to Day 1 of the challenge and utilize those methods to change your thorns into gratitude.