It’s all over the news that the federal government will be slashing federal employee wages 20% for a year beginning this Friday (in addition to cuts to numerous federal programs). As a resident of northern Virginia, I have many friends who are employed with the federal government in D.C. and they are understandably concerned that such a significant slash in pay could impact their ability to pay their bills or enjoy discretionary spending.  As one of my dear friends joked, “no more healing crystal purchases.” Sad, but true.

While I could go on a diatribe about how Congress is getting paid (thanks to the 27th Amendment to the Constitution) while the people really doing the work for our government are getting a pay cut (one that they had no say in), I want to switch the focus to gratitude. You’re probably thinking WHHAAATTT???? Yes, when something happens that we don’t want, it is so important to find gratitude in the situation. And it’s Grati-Tuesday!

When we can live our lives from a place of gratitude, we see the joy and beauty in everything, even situations that appear grim or sad to others. Your vibrational energy (in a nutshell, that is your thoughts/emotions/beliefs that vibrate from you) attracts like situations/people/things to you. So even when something is happening which appears out of your control, it is important to not let it be in control. Gratitude is the way to gain control.

So if you are one of the federal workers, how can you sit in a place of gratitude while you reassess your monthly budget and spending habits?

• You can find gratitude that you still have a job and were not laid off.
• You can find gratitude that you will have one day per week where you can do whatever you want!
• It’s a good time to start that side business that makes your heart sing, or finish some education/training that you have been too busy to complete.
• Spend time relaxing, meditating, getting involved in yoga, and taking care of yourself.
• Unpaid time off does not have to be a bad thing. Thoroughly enjoy the time and make the most of it!
• I have been in a similar situation. In the time I had available, I didn’t wallow … I was filled with gratitude for time and that’s when I created Manifested Harmony!!!

If you are experiencing any difficult situation involving employment, finances, or health, step back from the intense emotions of the situation, hover above it like a hot air balloon, and look at the situation from a distance. When you can detach this way, you are more likely to find gratitude in the situation. And in every situation, you can find at least one thing to be grateful about.

When you can view or be in a situation from a place of gratitude, you will be given more situations/people/events to be grateful about.  When you are in the situation filled with pity and fear, you will find more to be fearful about. We all know people who face adversity with grace and gratitude and they always end up in a better place. So this is the power of gratitude and is something that you can immediately put into play.  Give it a try!

Want to learn more? I am launching my first online class. It’s called You are your thoughts: A better life through conscious manifesting. It’s a five-event class limited to only 25 people! It begins Sunday, March 31st at 1:00pm and will be held for 5 consecutive Sundays for 90 minutes. You can learn, chat with like-minded people, and ask me questions! Register here before the spaces are gone!

Join in on the fun!