In the spiritual world, we often use gratitude practices to tune in to what’s working and thriving, and that high vibe energy creates a beautiful ripple effect throughout our lives. When we focus on gratitude, grace, love and joy unfolds naturally. 

But in this post, I want to explore a different perspective. 

Instead of feeling grateful for all that’s good in our lives (which is relatively easy to do), what if we found gratitude for our past experiences and lessons learned? 

This is an expansive opportunity for spiritual growth and healing, and in moments of challenge, guides us into grace. It helps us shift from asking “why is this happening to me?” to “how is this happening for me?”

Because every experience has helped us get to where we are now and to our next steps.

When I’m in the depths, like right now as I try to navigate the early days of motherhood, I find it comforting to remind myself that my soul came to this earth to evolve and before it arrived, it chose these obstacles and challenges for me.

It’s through this unique curriculum that we’re able to embody the fullest expression of ourselves and fulfil our highest purpose on the planet. 

Grace and Gratitude Journalling Practice

To help you mine your life for your own soul lessons, I invite you to answer these questions in your journal:

• What are some obstacles you've overcome?
• What have you learned through this experience?
• How has it contributed to your growth?
• How has it given you more strength, wisdom, and awareness?
• How can you pass this along and share this with others? 
• How can you find gratitude for these lessons and experiences? 

Once you’ve finished writing, take a moment here to reflect and pause. 

Call upon the difficult situations you’ve found yourself in. Breathe in, and gently place your hand on your heart and honour yourself for all that you’ve been through. Breathe out, and begin to cultivate a feeling of gratitude for all the ways that you’ve grown spiritually.

As you continue to breathe, redirect your focus onto all that you’ve learned. 

Breathing in and out, reframe any “negative” experiences as divine learning opportunities. Let your higher self alchemise any fear from your past including stories of regret, shame or blame, or feelings of being a victim. Allow them to be transformed through gratitude and forgiveness. 

Now, place both of your hands over your heart or in a prayer, and thank all of these experiences for revealing the miracle of who you are. 

Your Mess Is Your Message

It’s through our mess that we can find our message because it’s often in the deepest and darkest places that a light turns on.

And if you’re still living through those moments (or what I call the “messy middle”), this practice can also help you navigate challenges with more grace. But there’s no need to rush to find the lesson or come out the other side. 

“Nothing ever goes away until it teaches us what we need to know”. – Pema Chodron

I’m so genuinely grateful for all that I’ve been through - from health challenges like anxiety, depression and burnout, to finding my voice and overcoming self-doubt, to a traumatic birth experience, to making big decisions about my career and learning to build an authentic business that’s aligned with my energy and heart. These past experiences have helped me step into my highest potential. 

Because by integrating our obstacles, we can then turn them into offerings.

Your purpose is what you want to share with others. And big or small, when the obstacle you seek to help others overcome is something you’ve already faced, you can use your experience to be of service. 

Gratitude is a powerful perspective-shifter that guides us back to grace.

Now I’d love to hear from you in the comments. What soul lessons have you learned in this lifetime? How have they led you to where you are now and how are they leading you towards your purpose?