Thankfulness & Gratitude

“If the only prayer you say in your life is ‘thank you,’ that would suffice.” – Meister Eckhart
 

Gratitude means thankfulness, counting your blessings, noticing simple pleasures, and acknowledging everything that you receive. It means learning to live your life as if everything were a miracle, and being aware on a continuous basis of how much you’ve been given. Gratitude shifts your focus from what your life lacks to the abundance that is already present. Its a great habit to get into! 

I am a big fan of the ole Gratitude way of life.  Life is full of challenges, struggles, ups and downs, and I truly believe that if I didnt stop every once and a while ( on a daily basis) and take note of what I am truly grateful for, what I couldn't live without, what I actually have I would be alot less humbled and alot more stressed.  Somedays, yes, it is hard to find things to be thankful for, especially after one of those really sucky, emotional, everything could go wrong kind of a day, but guess what, there is always something to be thankful for.  Even if its a simple as I am alive, I have a bed, I have shelter, I have clothes.  Its quite easy once you start.

Here are some ways to start practicing gratitude to improve your well-being:

1. Keep a gratitude journal. At the end of each day, write down 3-5 things from the day you feel grateful for. Simplicity is key. The birds chirping of a morning, your baby’s smile, no traffic delays, that perfect cup of coffee, a visit with a friend, hearing children laugh. Relish the feeling you get when remembering and writing it down.
2. Express your gratitude. Take the time to share your feelings. Not the simple, polite thank you, but the heartfelt emotions. Tell your friend how her support and sense of humor helps you get through tough times, and how much it means to you. Don’t take your loved ones for granted. Let them know how much you love them and why.
3. Look for what is right about a situation, not what’s wrong. Sure you’re frustrated by the bus being late, but thankfully you have an understanding boss. Service at the restaurant is poor, but you are lucky to afford an evening out surrounded by good friends.
4. Practice gratitude with your family and friends. Although you may not say grace before a meal, encourage each family member to report one thing that happened that day that they feel grateful for. I ask my children each night while I am saying good night to them, for them to tell me one thing during the day that made them smile.  When you hear a friend moaning and complaining, challenge him or her to find the hidden opportunity or silver lining to the situation.

So tell me, what are you thankful for?  Grateful for? That makes you smile?  The makes your heart flutter or skip a beat?