Gratitude

The words grateful and gratitude have been floating around me a lot recently. I am sure it is because of my current mindset and some incredibly positive input, but lately when I think about gratitude, my mind is filled with all the things I am grateful for in my life, all of which are people or relationships.

It is funny, because I always thought that gratitude was something you only related to materialistic objects you were given, like a new pair of shoes or gadgets or home appliances. Even food I have always been grateful for. It has just become more profound recently, whether it is my choice or not.

The past few years have been a struggle for me in so many ways, but I look back on how much harder things have been and I just feel stuck. Does anyone else ever get that way? Well, this past week, a friend spoke to me about his past and his current outlook on life and how he believes everything happens for a reason and how grateful and forgiving he is. My takeaway was, it is so important to be grateful for what we have because if we are not thankful for the good things in our lives, then we are not opening ourselves up to see the good that is trying to come into our lives.

I have always thought it is important to be grateful for what I have in my life, but I do not think I ever really acted on that belief. I have a challenge for you all, think long and hard about the person, place, or anything for that matter. This does not have to be materialistic; it can be your pet dog or your favorite song, a person, place or whatever. Just take a moment each day to think about that "I am grateful for this because ___________." Now, take it one step further and say or write down your gratitude(s) during that moment. I am not going to lie; this is not the easiest thing, but we must start somewhere, and you will be surprised how much better you feel when you do this.

Gratitude reduces the effects of stress on your body - it is that simple, just think about what you are grateful for during stressful times and see how much better you feel. Increased optimism - because when we practice gratitude, we look at things in a unique perspective, right? Negative emotions shrink while positive emotions grow - when we are practicing gratitude, we are focusing on the good things that bring positive emotions into our lives. Gratitude is contagious - go on and spread some joy by sharing your gratitude with family, friends or even strangers!

I hope you all take this challenge to heart because it really is effective.

Just a quick note, this is not me trying to push any beliefs onto anyone about religion & such, just look at it as more of a suggestion, that what is presented to us in the world only comes around once (so do not take it for granted) and when we show our gratitude, it is a powerful thing.

Thank you for reading,

Until next time.