Birthday Gratitude

It's time to celebrate another year.

Before you do,

Take a moment for gratitude.

For stillness.

And all you have accomplished in the past year.

And all you hope to in the year to come.

But first,

Breathe.

So find a comfortable seat.

Allow your muscles to relax.

They're a year older now.

They deserve a little break.

And let your breaths come and go steadily.

On your next exhale,

Pause for a count of four.

Then inhale for a count of four.

And exhale for another count of four.

Then repeat.

Each breath in,

Count to four.

Each breath out,

Count to four.

Continue until the thoughts of yesterday,

Today,

And tomorrow fade away.

And the only thing remaining is the feeling of your breath.

And the count to four.

With your muscles relaxed and your mind settling,

Begin to think of this year that passed.

The lows,

And more importantly,

The highs.

The moments that made you smile a little longer.

And the tears you shed.

Of this year,

What are you most thankful for?

What are you ready to release?

You think of a new year as a fresh start.

A time when we can turn the chapter and start something new.

Release the old and feel different.

And if you believe,

So it shall be.

Pause for a moment and consider what you want to accomplish in this next year.

Now imagine yourself at the end of this year having accomplished it all.

How will you feel?

As you bring this meditation to a close,

So you can begin your birthday celebration,

Remember the feeling you had at accomplishing it all.

Revisit this meditation again and again,

Even when this day has passed.

And allow your mind to remember the chapter you're in.

May your day be full of peace,

Love,

And grace.

Happy Birthday.