Gratitude is the Right Attitude
Simply acknowledging things to be thankful for is real a game changer. You will surprise yourself with how your outlook and attitude will improve when you recognize and practice this happiness tool.
I am not an advocate of the 'It could be worse' crowd as a way for making you feel good that others are in worse shape. It takes less energy to remind yourself of the good stuff in your life rather than comparing your lot in life with others.
You are guaranteed to be much happier and peaceful.
“Gratitude is the best attitude.†~Author Unknown
Practice Being Thankful
There are no shortages of things to be grateful for. The problem is we take so much for granted that we overlook them.
You need to be conscious of the good things in your life!
We tend to acknowledge things, like health, only when there is a problem. How about starting the day thankful you feel good? (Okay, after a few cups of coffee!)
You can see, smell, talk, walk etc. No small thing at all and it starts the day off in the right frame of mind.
On your way to work or play, take notice of the sun, clouds, trees, flowers, snow.. (opps, went overboard there!) Being aware of and thankful of nature's role in our world has a calming effect on our lives.
“We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.†~Thornton Wilder
People In Our Lives
Gratitude is a sure relationship builder or saver.
We have many people in our lives, at times they may cause us angst or put a demand upon us. It is important to balance this 'heavy' side of relationships with the other side of it.
First off, no one is perfect, rather than harping on the things a person may do that irritate us, remind yourself of all the good attributes a person may have and be thankful for them. You will find that the exercise elevates the relationship dramatically and the annoyance factor dissipating.
It IS the Little Things!
Be thankful for little things, we tend to focus on negative things, which create negative vibes. I am sure we all have arrived at work complaining about the traffic, but did we ever use the time to think not of everything we need to get done that day but on someone we love, some pursuit we enjoy, a recent accomplishment….
Being grateful insulates us from the tendency the culture has towards negativity and the focus on what we do not have.
We must practice being grateful and happy with what already have rather than get pulled into the message that we need this and that to be happy. You will find that being grateful actually enhances your joy and growth opportunities.
Do it as soon as you finish this article and drop me a line on your thoughts.
