Develop An Attitude Of Gratitude
Have you ever kept a gratitude journal? I did, for a while, and am considering starting another one.
I am, however, pretty good at remembering to express gratitude for all I have. I often spend some time right after going to bed reviewing my day, and expressing gratitude for all the good things in it.
It is important to acknowledge things you are grateful for, even if they are little things, as recognizing them and being thankful for them will increase the odds that you will experience more of this goodness.
As Zig Ziglar said, "Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what we have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for."
It is especially important that we look for reasons to be grateful in these troubled times. Positive feelings will make the days go by more smoothly, and will help you deal with the fear and uncertainty of the present.
After all, if you are still alive and healthy, you have a tremendous amount to be thankful for in the present moment. Robert Brault said, "Enjoy the little things for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things."
Feeling gratitude is not a painful experience. In fact, it can often make you feel quite good. What is the expression of gratitude, if not an acceptance of the goodness in our lives? Surely the recognition and acknowledgment of such goodness will open the door for more to follow.
Here is a quote from Albert Einstein that certainly gives a good reason to express gratitude. He said, "There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."
When you think about it, life itself is indeed a miracle. Acknowledge the wonder. Be thankful to have been granted life. Be grateful for the experience, and remember how precious a gift you have been given.
It is important to express thanks and gratitude for even the small things, rather than taking them for granted. As you follow this process, don't just say the words, but live in a way that shows thankfulness and respect for life.
As for me, one of the things I am very grateful for is that I was led somehow to WA, and have become involved with this wonderful community. That alone has made my days more fulfilling and complete.
At my ripe old age, it is sweet to discover a way in which I can still learn, contribute to those around me, and achieve new goals. As a result, I am very grateful to WA and all it stands for.
Recent Comments
29
Such a great post Fran, thank you. I am guilty of not always remembering to be grateful, so I now have two 'grateful stones' in my back pocket, so that every time I touch them I am reminded to be grateful.
You are right, we have much to be grateful for.
"Grateful stones" -- now, that is a good idea. It could be an especially good one when you sit down, depending on their size. They could become "galling stones."
Inspiration post Fran! have been keeping a gratitude journal in a app. You can even add photos. It’s nice to go back when feeling discouraged to remember the things we are grateful for. I am so grateful I found you and the WA community,
Thank you, Shirl!
Was wondering where you were. Did you go do something fun for the holiday?
Did you get my message about PMs (private messages)? If you haven't read it yet, you have one waiting. Go to the little envelope at the top right and click on the little red number. It will appear on there when you receive a PM. It will be a nice way for me to answer questions from you privately, as you proceed through the training.
See more comments
Thank you for a lovely post Fran, situations become lighter if we look at it from an angle of gratitude.
You are right -- thanks for your comment.