8 Things I’m Grateful For
Mar’s Musing on Gratitude
This week on Mar’s musings I had planned to make a fun video on Gratitude, as a little cold has hit me and my voice is totally croaky – I am feeling more comfortable to write instead!
Gratitude has been a practice that I picked up over the years in ashrams and spiritual communities. I remember living in London and on a material level “having it all” but never being grateful, the tiniest things not making me happy.. Even though we were frequenting some of the most “luxurious places”.
One day in India, I woke up in a tiny room – the bed was a 5cm mattress on a hard cold floor and I felt a wave of gratitude pass over me. The feeling of pure happiness in that moment, with hardly any material comfort and yet feeling in complete gratitude for life!
That’s when I had the realisation that gratitude can be found in the smallest of things, and that I love living between the opposites, enjoying material comforts and also moments sleeping in tents on the ground – as this brings me appreciation for all spectrums of life.
Both fill me with a sense of gratitude in different ways, so I have made it a habit to write my gratitudes at the end of each year.
Here are 8 things I’m grateful for in 2022
My life in Lisbon
I’ve lived in many amazing places (Singapore, London, Rishikesh, Alto Paraiso), but Lisbon is my favourite.
I feel like I have the best of all worlds living in a city with the beach and nature nearby!
I’m grateful for the sunny weather year round and slower rhythm of life, which feels great for my introverted soul and balances out my driven nature.
My wonderful Friends
I feel blessed for my wonderful friends around me, near and far! Some I know from childhood and others more recently, all weaving into my life in different ways.
Each bringing to our friendship different qualities that I am learning to cherish and value – from friends who support me in my vision, others to share circles with, laugh with and have fun!
One learning is that no one will give me everything, neither my partner so I cherish each for their best character traits. I am grateful for each of you and celebrate you with your gifts!
My Partner & Son
Each day I am learning with them to be a better partner, woman & mother!
They are my closest mirror and my anchors, for an airy and dreamy person like me, our family life grounds me each day!
I never could have imagined to experience this cocoon of love, tenderness and support where I can fully be myself and be received in all that I am. Plus teaching me to open my heart more each day to unconditional love.
My amazing Clients
I’ve been blessed to work with incredible women (and men) this year through the Aligned Money – Women’s Group Coaching Programme, The Momentum Group and 1:1 clients in person and online.
Each of their life stories, paths and transformations touch me so deeply, confirming that this work is what I feel called to do!
A shout out to one woman Stephanie, who joined my group never having done any work, housewife and mother of 2. She jumped right into it, quit smoking and changed her whole outlook and is working on an incredible Soul-Lead project of a retreat house in Madrid!
These stories of transformation inspire me even more each day!
Elders and my Mentors
I am so grateful to the elders who have walked this path before me, who have guided me in the past year and continue to support me to become a better version of myself.
I feel blessed to be surrounded by an incredible team whom I connect to regularly or can tap into when needed.
Their support from coaching, therapy, healing, channelling, flower essences, somatics… all support me to show up in more authenticity and truth!
Circles and Ceremonies
Thank you to all the amazing women who have shown up to be in the circle together, a big gratitude to my dearest soul sister Zoe Yena for holding this space together for over 3 years.
The community has grown, the depth of the circle increased and new spaces blossomed from baby blessings and pregnancy loss circles – touching both dimensions of life.
This year the ceremonial reconnection to tea has brought me a new daily practice and sharing of space, with a new connection to myself, the other and nature!
These spaces to process feel so important to me, especially for working women – to be able to let go of what’s in our way to fully align in all areas of our lives! We are complex beings, with so many personas living within – so these spaces offer the place for them to be heard, integrated and co-exist!
My team
I could not do what I do without my amazing team of hardworking and committed professionals.
I’m grateful for all the support I have from Paula, we’re worked together for almost 4 years to build my coaching business and bring my visions to the world. Others supported me in areas that include social media, photography & film, accounting & finance, and more. It truly takes an amazing team to align purpose & money!
New Collaborations
2023 will be a year of new visions being born. I am excited for these new projects that are ripening and coming to life in this new cycle ahead!
Watch this space for more to come on business coaching and bringing rituals into your daily life!
Now I would love to hear from you! What is something you’re feeling deeply grateful for?
With all my love for this holiday festive season, a beautiful Christmas!
Love Mar Michelle