Why would that be? Why should the simple act of thinking about who and what I’m grateful for make such a big difference in my life?
Just four reasons:
1. Because it reminds you of the positive things in your life. It makes you happy about the people in your life, whether they’re loved ones, or just a stranger you met who was kind to you in some way.
2. Because it turns bad things into good things. Having problems at work? Be grateful you have work. Be grateful you have challenges, and life isn’t boring. Be grateful you can learn from these challenges. Be thankful they make you a stronger person.
3. Because it reminds you of what’s important. It’s hard to complain about the little things when you give thanks your children are alive and healthy. It’s hard to get stressed out over paying bills when you are grateful there is a roof over your head.
“If the only prayer you said in your whole life was ‘Thank you,’ that would suffice.”
– Meister Eckhart
4. Because it reminds you to thank others. I’ll talk about this more below, but the simple act of saying “thank you” to someone can make a big difference in that person’s life. Calling them, emailing them, stopping by to say thank you. Just taking a minute out of your life to tell them why you are grateful toward them is important to them. People like being appreciated for who they are and what they do. It costs you little, but makes someone else happy. And making someone else happy will make you happy.
Privately in my little gratitude session, I thank my loved ones for all they do for me. I thank strangers who’ve shown me little acts of kindness. I thank God for the life given me. I thank people around the world for the things they’ve done to make the world better. I thank myself for things I’ve done (it’s important to recognize your own accomplishments). I thank all the readers of this publication, for the encouragement you have given me, for the time you’ve given me just reading the articles when you have the chance.
The thing is, simple acts of gratitude don’t cost you much (especially once you get over the initial discomfort some people feel with thanking others). But they can make a huge difference. If you’re interested in living a life of gratitude, here are my suggestions:
• Morning gratitude session.
Take two-three minutes each morning to give thanks, to whomever or whatever you’re grateful for. You don’t have to do anything other than close your eyes and silently give thanks. This one act can make a huge difference.
• Say thank you.
When someone does something nice for you, however small, try to remember to say thank you. And really mean it.
• Call to say thanks.
Sometimes you might think about something nice someone did for you. Perhaps you remember during your gratitude session. When you do, pick up the phone and call the person, just to say thanks. Let them know what they did that you’re grateful for, and why you appreciate it. Takes a minute or two. If it’s too early to call, make a note to call later. Even better is telling them in person, if you happen to see them or if they’re on your route. Almost as good is a thank you email – keep it short and sweet.
• Give thanks for “negative” things in your life.
There are always two ways to look at something. Many times we think of something as negative – it’s stressful, harmful, sad, unfortunate and difficult. But that same thing can be looked at in a more positive way. Giving thanks for those things is a great way to remind you that there is good in just about everything. Problems can be seen as opportunities to grow, to be creative.
• Learn a gratitude prayer.
There are many prayers, religious or not, that can remind you to be grateful. Find one you like, and print it out or make it your desktop wallpaper. Here’s a good one below I’ve always found… well, perfect:
• Be Thankful
Author Unknown Be thankful you don’t already have everything you desire, If you did, what would there be to look forward to? Be thankful when you don’t know something For it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations Because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge Because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you’re tired and weary Because it means you’ve made a difference.
It is easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.
GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles and they can become your blessings.
Brigit
I am thankful for your good news, upbeat newspaper.
I was a friend at the inception of this paper.
I hope all is going well, and I wish you Peace and Love this season and always!!!
Judy Cialone