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 actually your birthright.
There is literally a Universe of good and abundance available to each of us, even in the midst of 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, starting today:
- Start by Noticing. Take a moment to notice all that is in your life that you can appreciate – even those things that have the appearance of being “bad” for as it has been said, many times blessings can be disguised. A great way to be consistent with this process is to start a “Gratitude Journal” and schedule time each day to write what it is that you appreciate.
- Recognize the gift in everything that is currently in your life. The very air you breathe right now is a gift. The fact that the sun will come out tomorrow is a gift. The people in your life the you love and those who love YOU! Recognize that you are a steward of these magnificent 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. How will you use your gifts and talents to make a great impact on others in your life? Remember, that what we appreciate will appreciate. How will you show your appreciation today?
When you’re living in gratitude, your focus is on what you do 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 in gratitude and to be Truly Grateful in all things.
