What better way to start the new year than with a post about GRATITUDE?
Gratitude isn’t just about being thankful.
Gratitude changes us neurologically, makes our brains stronger, just makes sense.
Gratitude burns away the shadow of life’s circumstances, like the sun burns away fog–that empty mode we can lock ourselves into, where we’re unable to shift our energy from bad to good.
Being grateful isn’t always easy. During my younger days, I always wanted more. More possessions, more hurdles crossed, more ambitions realized, more of everything. Heck, with every gift life doled out to me, I was eyeing the next rung on the ladder–a ladder with no end in sight, a ladder to nowhere. Naturally, when someone suggested I be grateful for what I already had, it just conjured up feelings of guilt.
As I grew older, I realized that having more isn’t always an option.
Being grateful for what I already have, is.
Gratitude as Spiritual Practice
In a recent article in Science of Mind magazine (December 2010), called “Gratitude, Empty Platitude or Spiritual Practice?” by Karen Warren-Severson, I discovered that gratitude is a life enhancer. It:
- improves mental health
- increases energy
- boosts the immune system
- strengthens social relationships
Isn’t that what we all need to keep their heads above water, to keep on keeping on?
Gratitude also results in:
- less stress
- better sleep
- more effective coping
- an open heart
Sure, life is hard. I’m not going into detail about life’s many stresses. I know that you know what I’m talking about. It’s hard to stay buoyed when the world seems to be caving in on you.
But what’s the alternative?
Despair?
No thanks. I’d rather be grateful and believe that something good lies ahead than sink into the dark pit of discouragement and despair.
Gratitude Makes Sense
For me as a writer, something good ahead means getting an agent and then a publisher and an editor and having my book available at major bookstores and online (There I go, reaching out again).
But in the mean time, I feel grateful just thinking about being grateful–Pollyanna and her “Glad Game” grateful.
Make fun of Eleanor H. Porter’s character if you will, say her attitude is unrealistic, but staying positive makes sense.
Start small.
Right now, for instance, I’m grateful for having completed four novels and starting a blog (yes, technologically-challenged me). And I’m grateful that you’re here reading this now.
According to Karen Warren-Severson, “gratitude pulls up over nine million hits when you type it in your Internet browser.” How’s that for timely?
With the New Year only three days away, I’m starting fresh with gratitude in my heart.
What we look for is what we find–lack or abundance, heaven or hell.
One’s perspective is one’s future.
Hope you find much to be grateful for in 2011 and that you come back to visit my blog again soon.
I completely give into gratitude and paying it forward! The first thing I do before I step out of bed…say something I'm grateful for!
I'm grateful every day and look forward to each new day that comes…thanks for such a positive post!
~cath
Hi Tonya. I like your daily morning exercise of saying something you're grateful for. I'm going to start this, too. What a great way to begin the new year.
Hi Cath. You're welcome. It sounds like you already count the blessings in your life. Good for you. Here's looking forward to 2011!
Recently heard of a book called, 365 Thank Yous. It's about a man who wrote a thank you letter every day for a year to someone who touched his life and results from those letters. He said that with every letter he wrote and sent, something good came in return. It is a remarkable concept, since when he was writing these letters it was during a difficult time in his life. Instead of turning what was happening to him about him, he looked at all the good things in his life, and gave thanks to those who had helped him a long the way, and even those who didn't. I'm seriously considering writing a letter of gratitude someone everyday.
Hi Lee. You know, I believe this. Having a postive attitude just makes sense. I especially like the part about how this man got something good in return for each thankyou he wrote. Wow. In 1999, I kept a journal of things to be thankful for called COUNTING MY BLESSINGS and I never had trouble finding something to write about. Time to start again.
Such a timely reminder, Margaret. I know the value of gratitude, and have known it for many years but, even now, when I go through a patch of poor health, or lose someone I love (happens more often the older I get) I can find myself forgetting to be grateful.
Thank you.
— K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
Well put Margaret. Being grateful for all we have can be a learning process. And over the years, due to circumstances we have no control over, we weigh our options, whether good or bad, and hopefully overcome the bad and learn to be grateful for what life has given us. It can take a long time, but when the time comes, you realize the true meaing of 'relishing in the good things in life' (not tangible things) but what really matters – the friendships, health, happiness, family and love surronding you – one is truely grateful – for the things that really count.
Hi Kay. I know what you mean. Trying to find hidden gifts in the midst of sadness, disappointment and pain can be more than difficult. But as I said above, what's the alternative? Discouragement and dispair? No thanks. So after acknowledging our feelings (yeah, cry, rant, sleep, whatever it takes), it's better to look for the blessing hidden in the painful experience and then keep on keeping on.
Hi Bernadine. Well put. It's all about "relishing in the good things in life," the friendships, health, etc. As you say, the things that really count.
I am grateful for all my friends. I am so lucky to have them. They have helped me through so many things. I feel as if I am like the quote Shakespeare said to Timon of Athens, Act 11 "I am wealthy in my friends."
Same here, Dorothy, with you right up there at the top of my list. We are indeed "wealthy in our friends."
Margaret,
Just what I needed to hear this morning. Beautifully written and I will also take on being grateful in 2011. Life does give us many struggles and disappointments but it is in the way we look at these struggles. Will they make us grow, will we be disappointed or grateful for what is to come of them? I love the scripture Romans 8:28 where is says all things work together for good to those who trust in him! Being grateful that I have him to carry me when I cannot do it alone. Love you sis!
Hi Theresa. I'm shocked. You visited my blog! I'm so glad you stopped by for a visit and that you liked my post. I'm sure we will have our stuggles in 2011, that's part of life after all and beyond our control. But what we can control is our attitude, sometimes easier said than done. Here's to giving "gratitude" a whole-hearted try in 2011. Love you too, sis.