A GRATEFUL LIFE

Count your blessings. Once you realize how valuable you are and how much you have going for you, the smiles will return, the sun will break out, the music will play, and you will finally be able to move forward the life that God intended for you with grace, strength, courage and confidence.

– OG MANDINO

A grateful person has affection and righteousness;

A grateful person has a generous heart.

Only a life filled with gratitude knows the meaning of giving;

Only a life filled with gratitude understand what true wealth is.

Let us be grateful for the shining summer sun, and the autumn and winter frost and snow,
For they help to bring a year of harvest.

Let us be grateful for the lofty mountains and surging ocean,
For they teach us to be humble and tolerant. 

A grateful life is a happy life - 
The sense of gratitude is an abundance of wisdom, 

The spirit of gratitude is a plentiful basket of treasures, 

The habit of gratitude is an exemplar to society;

Let the sense of gratitude be ever present, and life shall surely be wondrous.

*Sound of the Human World

Gratitude is powerful. In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people – –

> feel more positive emotions,

> relish good experiences,

> improve their health,

> deal with adversity,

> and build strong relationships.

CULTIVATING GRATITUDE by Tracy Bower @ Forbes

So how can you build your gratitude muscle – and become more appreciative? Here are some simple stategies:

BEGIN AND END WITH INTENTION.

Start each day by thinking about all you appreciate and expect from the day, and as you turn out the lights at the end of each day also consider all you’re grateful for.

GIVE CONTINUOUS ATTENTION.

Throughout each day, find small things about which you can be thankful. Perhaps the line at the coffee place was shorter this morning or your coworker made you smile. Avoid taking things for granted. Make everything count and bring conscious attention to elements which make you glad.

BE EXPANSIVE.

Ensure you’re focusing on being grateful not just for things, but for people and conditions. Perhaps you particularly appreciate the headphones which help make your workout more fun, but also pay attention to the person at the club who made you feel welcome or the fact that you have the capability to walk, lift or stretch.

WRITE IT DOWN.

Research at Kent State University found when you write down elements you’re grateful for, that simple act can foster happiness and wellbeing. This is probably true because it causes you to pause, focus, reflect and reinforce your positive experiences.

EXPRESS YOURSELF.

Gratitude is both an individual and a team sport. When you share what you’re grateful for in a team environment, it holds even more power. Thank a coworker during a team meeting or provide positive feedback to a colleague during a project session. When gratitude is expressed and shared, it helps both you and the group.

Gratitude is good, and it has plenty of positive effects. It may also be what can help get us through the last miles of the pandemic marathon. Staying present, being attentive to others and appreciating all we have – just as we wait for all we want – can help us get to the finish line. 🍏