You are walking towards the top of a mountain.

It’s a straight walk.

But right now, you’re at the bottom.

Down in the valley.

In the river that’s in the valley.

You are going against the current.

But you have to keep walking.

Sometimes that just means that you’re staying in place.

But if you don’t walk, you might sink where you are…

…or be carried by the current further back to your starting point or before your starting point.

But you’ll always have to reach the top of the mountain.

So you will have to find a way to get back up and start walking again.

Sometimes, there are stones right in the river.

You can walk on these stones.

When you walk on these stones, you don’t have to go against the current.

It’s an easier walk than in the water, but you still have to walk.

And when the stones are gone, back in the river you go and you keep walking.

At some point, stones will appear that will lead you out of the river.

You will walk out of the river, and start going up the mountain.

You will reach the top of the mountain.

And you will have a moment to sit down and enjoy the view.

But then you will have to continue walking, because you’ll notice another mountain.

In this story:

The mountain is your goal.

The river is your life.

The currents are the hardships you have to endure.

The stones are points of validation, encouragement and hope.

Where do those stones come from?

• The teacher tells you that you’re smart

• The friends that compliment your looks

• The peers that need your skills

• Social media that “likes” your posts

• New people that seek your friendship

• The therapist that affirms that you’re normal

• The family that gives you support

And if they’re not around? And if they can’t? And if they won’t? No stones.

Unless…

You put the stones there.

Yes, you have the power to place stones in the river. It’s a superpower. It’s GRATITUDE.

You look around and see good things around you. That’s hope. That’s a stone.

You look at your reflection and say “I know you are strong; I know you are smart; I know you are worthy; I know that if I had met you as a stranger, I’d want to be your friend”. That’s validation. That’s a stone.

You look behind you and you realise you’ve gone a long way and you have overcome great struggles. That’s encouragement. That’s a stone.

Creating stones isn’t an easy process. But it does make for an easier journey to the top of the mountain.

Avoid the weak stones – those that collapse as soon as you walk on them. They look safe, but they’re hollow and fragile. These are ill-intentions from others, or doubts from you.

You need solid stones. You can create the solid stones.

Gratitude Journaling will help you solidify your stones. A daily practice of gratitude is Literally solidifying “gratitude points” by etching them onto paper.

“My Gratitude Book”, better than a typical Gratitude journal, will teach you many styles of practicing validation, encouragement and finding hope. “My Gratitude Book” will guide you out of your river and onto your mountain.

“My Gratitude Book” will give you the skill to look in the mirror and recognise that you already have the best person to help you reach your goals.

“My Gratitude Book” solidifies for you, that the best person to improve your life IS YOU.

#mentalhealth #selfhelp #journaling #gratitude