Seeds of Gratitude

My personal journey with gratitude started at a very young age. It was modeled for me by my parents and grandparents as far back as I can remember.    One might say the seed of gratitude was planted when I learned at age 5 or 6 that my parents and grandparents were both married on July 22nd and the number 22 was born as my "lucky" number.  As the years passed this seed of a lucky number grew and became more than good luck.  It became my gratitude number.  A number I use as a red light in life.  I see it and need to stop and find something to be grateful for in that moment.  That's my deal with myself.   That's what I modeled for my children and my family and friends.  Whether I am feeling good or bad about the situation I need to find something to be grateful for in that moment to make sure I am appreciating my lessons and staying in the flow of gratitude.  This practice has been a foundational key to my mindset in life.  It has molded my life and the lives of my children and their friends, my friends and their children, strangers, family and anyone who would listen honestly.  To have a "gratitude hack" in your back pocket to change your mindset.  22 isn't always a "good" number but it is a learning gratitude number.    Time and again it shows up when I need the reminder most and every time I AM GRATEFUL for the reminder to lean into the light and gratitude of love.    With those reminders I learn to find the joy or the positive side to the hardship while being authentic and honoring how hard and difficult it might be in the moment.   To be very present during the gifts of the good times we receive in life.  I believe my gratitude practice is part of why I am blessed with things in life to be grateful for like my health, my family, loyal and kind friends, my patient husband and my amazing children, beautiful places to visit and opportunities to experience life to the fullest.  I hope you see the signs in your life to grow gratitude too.  22 LOVE to ALL!!

Carrie W. Accardi

Founder of 22 Love : Inta @22_love_gratitude

Teresa Valley