Planning for Peace of Mind by Practicing Gratitude
A comprehensive estate plan prepared by a qualified St. Louis estate planning attorney is a fantastic way to create peace of mind. But if you’re looking for something that you can do on a daily basis that creates peace of mind, I recommend practicing gratitude.
I love this quote from Willie Nelson, one of my favorite country musicians: “When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” The scientific research proves that he is correct. Practicing gratitude, celebrating our blessings, starting each morning by focusing on and being thankful for the good things in our lives – whether it’s simply enjoying that first cup of coffee or savoring a moment of calm before the day begins – is an important practice for experiencing peace of mind. The research also shows that it is nearly impossible to be thankful and at the same time be angry, anxious or unhappy. Practicing gratitude – giving grace – being thankful – creates peace of mind.
Which is why I’m sharing this picture of my Sweetgum tree. Many times during the year, it is my arch nemesis and definitely the opposite of gratitude or peace of mind inducing. For those of you unfamiliar with a Sweetgum tree, it drops the spikey “gumballs” pictured here during the winter and early spring. They are an ankle-twisting, yard ruining annoyance and I have spent countless hours removing them from my yard. Right after all the fall leaves are raked, the gumballs begin to fall. I even spent an entire afternoon Googling whether there was something I could do with my bags of gumballs besides throw them out. I came up with nothing. If anyone has ideas – please let me know!
So instead of focusing on the times when my Sweetgum is an aggravation, I’m focusing on my Sweetgum’s beauty, cooling shade and sometimes errant lacrosse ball stopping trunk. Of course, the facts haven’t changed, I still have leaves to rake and gumballs to pick up, but at least today, I feel better. I’m hopeful I can remain grateful when I’m picking up gumballs.
Contact The Estate Planner LLC in our St. Louis office at 314-303-3218 for assistance with estate planning needs in Missouri. A comprehensive estate plan is another important way to experience peace of mind – for you and your family.
** The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertisements.
Written November 10, 2022