Gratitude is so much more than being pleasant and remembering to say “thank you!” Gratitude is the way of “being” of all those who live truly abundant lives. It’s an awareness and appreciation of the abundance that is in your life and of the good that is all around you.
There is literally a Universe of good and abundance surrounding us, especially in the apparent adversities we face. So how can we recognize and fully harness that good so that we can live abundantly?
It’s deceptively simple…learn to deeply appreciate ALL that is currently available to us. Whatever we appreciate (however small it may seem) will grow.
Here are three key ways to appreciate ALL that’s in your life:
- Start by Noticing. Take a moment every day to notice all that’s around you – particularly the things that have the appearance of being “bad.” A great way to do this consistently is to start a “Gratitude Journal” and schedule time each day to write in it.
- Recognize the gift in everything that is currently in your life. The very air you breathe right now is a gift. Recognize that you are a steward of these gifts: the time, resources and circumstances that are yours.
- Fully and effectively use every resource that you’ve been given to improve your life and the lives of those around you…especially those who feel challenging to you. They are the very gift you need to grow.
When you’re living in gratitude, your focus is on what you have rather than what you lack.
“Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity…it makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” – Melody Beattie
By recognizing and appreciating what time and resources and opportunities you have been given, you unlock a power that attracts more and more resources into your life.
You’re just one thought away from changing your life. Decide today to think gratitude and to be Truly Grateful in all things.
