To Be Grateful

Being grateful is very powerful in helping keep a positive attitude. It’s even more powerful in getting through a rough day. Try it sometime. Take a moment to write down all the things in your life from which you are grateful. If it’s a friend, family member, or hero, send them a text email or call them to say thanks for being there for you. This works because you start to take the focus off yourself and place it onto the people you care about.

A co-worker/friend shared with me a story where she focused on expressing gratitude daily. This was something she did for a year and a half.  She shared how the act of taking a few minutes daily to remember what she is grateful for made a huge difference in her life.

Praying daily and giving thanks also helps to improve your personal attitude. Try praying sometime and not asking for anything. Give thanks for all you have. Whether that be the roof over your head, warm water, food to eat, family that’s there for you, your health, a smile, etc… There’s always so much to be grateful for, remember it, be grateful for it and you’ll find even more things to be grateful for. As you start to impact others’ lives with your gratitude you'll find that your own life has been impacted even more. It always ends up    

I’ve expressed my desire to change the world. Giving gratitude solely in prayer helps you and only indirectly others. Take the time to express your gratitude to those around you. It’ll change your world and it will change the world of those around you. That gratitude can be expressed via service (publicly or secretly). If you don’t feel like expressing gratitude because you’ve never had it expressed, remember to fake it till you make it. I promise that it will change your life!

Most of the rest of this post is an excerpt / slightly modified from a post I made in November.

There are many things for which I should be grateful. The list could go on for days. Do I recognize all of them? I wish.  Some of the biggest things on my list are family and friends. I’m especially grateful those in my life who have gone out of their way to make me feel loved. Surely you know who you are. J

The more time progresses, the more evident it is that people are what mean everything in life; not money or possessions. It’s the quality time, meaningful conversations, laughter, and a shoulder to cry on that make life worthwhile. People fill that empty void in life. You shouldn’t fill that void with just anyone.

The wrong person can slowly drag you down (speaking from experience). That person may not be a bad person just not the right influence and support you need in life. The right person/people make all the difference. They can inspire, motivate, and enhance your life. I love these people in my life.

Two goals have been running through my mind while writing this. First, I need to be aware of who I am and do everything I can to be the “right” friend. This seems like a selfish goal because when I help others I always feel like I’m the one who ends up on top. Second, I need to surround myself with more of these high quality people. Don’t forget to be the grateful friend, relative, or co-worker! Your happiness will thank you for it!