3rd Challenge is a Charm

Its day 3, which means challenge 3 and coincidentally it is the 3rd of October; three really is the magic number is would seem. My 3rd task is focused on my relationships, and how gratitude can be a powerful tool in improving them. "To receive the life of my dreams, its vital that I understand how relationships affect things. They are the most powerful channels for gratitude to start magically changing a life". Word. 

Did you know that statistics suggest that for everyone one complaint you make about another person, it would take 10 positive remarks for the relationship to flourish? Increasing the gratitude you have for a relationship will improve it drastically. "You will have more patience, understanding, compassion, and kindness to the point you wont recognise yourself". My 9 year old brother will test that theory (so he does have a use after all). Byrne goes on to explain how powerful words are, and that when we complain about a person or a situation we are actually harming ourselves (You get what you give, remember?). So today's practice was about appreciating people, just as they are. I had to chose three of my closest relationships to be grateful for, and write down 5 reasons for each person explaining why I was thankful for them in my life. 

I went with my best friend from Uni, who rarely speak to since graduating. The guy I am kind of seeing at the moment (communication has come to a grinding halt as of late- distance is a bitch- so this can only help...right?!) and (you got it) my 9 year old brother, Matt. The book instructs me to carry a photo of each person and find 3 points throughout the day to say 'thankyou' for that person. I used my iPhone to create a snazzy collage as my background so that whenever I checked the time, or got a text, I was reminded of today's challenge.

And do you know what? It worked! I have arranged to Skype my best friend for the first time in months this weekend, and have been pleasantly reminded that my brother is actually a pretty cool kid. Probably the best thing to come from this, is my progress with 'him'. I am usually very stubborn when it comes to guys, so if they haven't contacted me I will automatically shut up shop and begin to over think everything, refusing to make the first move. Well not today; I rang him. Yes. Me! And things are completely fine- I was doing the classic girl move of over analysising and creating a problem out of nothing. If anything, I have learnt that by staying positive and actually DOING something to resolve a relationship, rather than suffering quietly, it can make the world of difference. Maybe silence isn't golden after all?

My new 10 blessings are written and ready to go for tomorrow morning, my magical stone is by my bedside as I am pondering what the best part of my day was. Pharrells new song 'Happy' that was introduced to me this morning (listen to it- its impossible not to smile!), coming home to the delicious smell of Mum cooking her own strawberry jam or bumping into an old school friend and getting lost in fond memories? One things for sure, I am going to sleep smiling for the first time in a while...x