Grateful Mondays: Finding Energy, Gratitude, and Joy

 

There is this goodness and gratitude you feel when you witness the break of dawn. The birds humming their morning tunes, the crisp, cold air filling your lungs, and the serene freshness before the day’s hustle unfolds it’s a magical moment. It reminds me of the beauty of life and how we navigate its challenges, always trusting that the Almighty grants us ease each day. Most importantly, it reinforces the power of a gratitude mind-set, which fuels our grind and attracts even more positive abundance into our lives. May the Almighty bless our days with ease. Aameen.

Ah, Mondays a day many dread, but for me, it's often one of my favourites. Why? Because my gratitude cup tends to overflow after a restful Sunday, especially after a hike. This past Monday was no exception. The day started with a lively internal debate between two voices in my head. One whispered, "You should rest; your knee hurts." The other, louder and more persuasive, said, "You know exercising will help you heal better!" Classic brain versus body banter, right?

I decided to start with prayer, seeking clarity. And just like that, my body gave me the green light to hit the road. My energy level was through the roof so much so that I almost questioned if I had mistakenly downed an energy drink. But nope, this was pure "Beeba Energy Queen" vibes, no artificial supplements required.

A Plant Before the Pavement

Before stepping out, I had to attend to an urgent matter: my golden pothos plant. I noticed the soil had depleted and needed a little TLC. I gave it a fresh refill, and marvelled at how rejuvenated my leafy friend looked. There’s something therapeutic about nurturing a plant it’s like a quiet reminder to take care of myself too. Task checked, I was finally ready to tackle my morning workout.

The Road Calls

Initially, the plan was simple just a brisk walk to ease into the week. But my body had other ideas. As soon as I started walking, a little nudge urged me to jog. And jog I did! I covered 4 kilometres non-stop, and it felt amazing. When I eventually slowed down to walk, I used the time to praise God for the strength and energy I had.

But my body wasn’t done yet it coaxed me to keep alternating between jogging and walking. By the time I finished, I had clocked 10.88 kilometres, taken 13,236 steps, and burned 127 calories. Let me tell you, the satisfaction was unreal! And to top it off, I squeezed in some strength training: leg workouts and abs.

Gratitude for Movement

I can’t overstate how grateful I felt. For the ability to move, to push my body, and to feel it respond with such vitality. It’s a privilege I never take for granted. I did have to caution myself a bit because, well, fasting and intense workouts don’t exactly go hand in hand. But the mind and body seemed determined to keep going.

Thankfully, a friend called just in time to pull me away from overdoing it. Sometimes, we need external forces to remind us to take a break, and I’m grateful for that timely intervention too.

Feeding Body and Mind

This experience reinforced something important: what you feed your body and mind directly impacts your mental health and overall wellness. I’m not just talking about food though that’s vital but also the thoughts and habits we nurture. Movement is medicine. Gratitude is healing. And together, they create a harmony that fuels us through life’s challenges.

A Call to Action

Now, here’s my challenge for you: how often do you listen to your body? Are you giving it the care and movement it needs? Start small if you have to. Maybe a short walk, a stretch, or even some houseplant therapy like I did. Every step counts, literally and figuratively.

As you step into this new week, consider what you’re feeding your mind, body, and soul. Choose positivity, gratitude, and a little movement. Who knows, you might just discover your own version of “Energy Queen" vibes!

Stay grateful, stay active, and keep shining.