I have a question for you. If you were to look back and reflect on the past 5 to 10 years of your life, do you notice there are things that you already have now, that back then you were only dreaming of having? That you have goals and desires that you were just hoping for before, but right now it’s already your reality?
It is these moments of pause and reflection that you will realize that over a period of time, you have manifested and achieved many of your dreams, both big and small. And this practice, which some would call “Remember When…” is a powerful one to have for a number of reasons.
Remember when you wanted to improve your (insert skill here) and now you’re already good at it?
Remember when you dreamed of going to (insert places here) and now you have ticked them off your bucket list?
Remember when you wanted to buy (insert items here) and now it’s already in your possession?
Remember when you wished to have this type of job/career and now it’s already what you are doing?
Remember when you desired to save for your retirement and now it’s already accomplished?
Remember when you dreamed of investing in a family home and now you’re already living in it?
Remember when you wanted to start a side project and now it’s already manifesting?
And the list could go on. Big or small, be as specific as you can be.
Doing this exercise is a powerful way of reminding yourself how much progress you’ve already made in your life. It gives you a feeling of accomplishment about your desires and a sense of inner satisfaction from these victories. Instead of being focused on lack and the things that are still missing, you are shifting to appreciating how far you have come and how much grateful you are for the things that you do have– things that were once just distant dreams and goals. What was once a wish is now accomplished.
With this practice you will also feel peaceful and content, because it removes the tendency to just take things for granted (which is something we usually do when our mind is focused on just getting what we don’t have, rather than on valuing what is already present). You avoid the habit of constantly chasing for the next big thing and not enjoying what you already have now.
Not only does this practice amplify your feelings of gratitude and appreciation, but it also increases your level of confidence and optimism about your life in general. When you realize that your dreams are manifesting for you and that life is getting better over time, you will feel excitement for what the future will bring, five to ten years down the line. You’ll have this knowing that the things you presently desire will likewise be fulfilled years from now, the way your past desires have materialized for you.
Overall, you get to appreciate the present and be excited for the future. And this is a very powerful vibrational state to be in, because you are creating a positive reality for yourself and building the cycle for more wonderful manifestations to come. With appreciation, contentment and optimism, you become a magnet for continuous blessings and wishes fulfilled!
Try this today and I hope it will be a potent gratitude practice for you! Have a great day!
