The Power of Gratitude
23 November 2021 | Written by Xenia Ayiotis
Many of my clients say that Thanksgiving is their favourite holiday and that they plan for it months in advance. For some people though, the time between Thanksgiving and the New Year can be complicated at the best of times. This year, chances are it could be even more complicated, given that the pandemic continues.
When there is still so much up in the air, it is hard for us to focus, especially if we are feeling depleted.
How do we nurture and nourish ourselves this holiday?
One of the many ways, is the practice of gratitude.
Practicing gratitude for what we have is one of the simplest ways to shift your mood and bring yourself into the present moment.
“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson –
Here are 3 Thanksgiving gratitude reflections to help guide you in your practice. Take a deep breath, pause and reflect…
- What are 5 things you are grateful for in your life right now?
- Who are the people you are grateful to and why?
- What is one small action you can start, that your future self will thank you for?
I am grateful to you dear reader for being part of this community.
All my best,
Xen
✨ Do you struggle with food and eating in the holidays? Check out my How To Handle Eating In The Holidays Online Course.
✨ If food is controlling your life, I would be honored to support you to develop a positive relationship with food. Book a free mini-session.
✨ Are you interested in finding out more – join my next retreat A Taste of Mindful Eating on 12 December.
Hi, I'm Xen.
I help women all over the world drop the struggle with food and their bodies to create a life of peace and freedom.
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Karen J, Colorado, USA
“I reached out to Xenia because 2021 started on a tumultuous note for me. Between deaths, businesses suffering, hospitalizations, and job losses in our personal circle, I felt depleted and found myself being available for everyone but myself. Then I was hit with an unexpected health diagnosis, which was the last straw as it meant giving up “healthy foods” and workouts that I leaned on for my well-being and stability. Despite working in wellness (Yes, coaches and healers are vulnerable too!), I found myself reaching out to desserts for comfort. I like to live a life of permissions (not labels or deprivation leading to bingeing), so I wanted to work with someone who approached healing from a place of mindful compassion. I didn’t want to be my own client. Xenia was great in reminding me to be kind to myself. Working with her, brought me peace and helped shift my mindset. I love how desserts and I look at each other now.”
Sweta Vikram, New York, USA
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Daniela Velásquez, Ottawa, Canada
“Working with Xen was a game changer for me. After working together for a few months my relationship with food radically changed. I no longer felt like a failure. I now have the tools to nourish my body with foods that feel good in my body. I don’t feel guilty about eating cake or chocolate, I also don’t overeat cake and chocolate. I no longer feel the need to exercise to compensate for my eating. I feel much more free around eating and I am more accepting of my body. Xen has a nonjudgmental and compassionate approach to coaching and really supports you in the process.”
Rachel, Dublin, Ireland
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Michelle, Johannesburg, South Africa
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