Many times we’ve all been told to “count your blessings.”
The concept is great, but the reality is it’s really hard to find what’s good when everything feels like it’s not.
Though when life is getting you down and it is hardest to see the blessings all around you, it is the best time to work toward seeing your situation in a different way.
This practice can be difficult because it’s not natural to be grateful. Yet the life-altering benefits of living with gratitude are worth cultivating.
True gratitude is a quiet state of inner calm where you are truly thankful.
This is where you see the perfection of your life — the good, the bad and everything in between has a place and a purpose — and you wouldn’t change a thing.
HOW GRATITUDE WORKS
If you are grateful, more is given. If you are not, more is taken away. Though there may be many things in your life that you wish did not exist, to create a sense of appreciation, constantly look for things that are good in your life. Why would the Universe give you more gifts when you don’t even appreciate the gifts you have been given?
Gratitude helps put situations into perspective by helping us realize all that we already have.
WAYS TO CULTIVATE GRATITUDE
>> Notice your life in a new way: Make it a point to see your life from a perspective of gratitude and you’ll be amazed at how much good you take for granted.
Anytime you identify with something as negative (like “I hate all this traffic”), switch it to something positive (“I have some time to call my friend”).
When in a bad situation, ask yourself when you look back on this situation, what you will be grateful for.
>> Decide to be thankful every day: Be grateful not just for just the good things but for everything.
What makes up the magnificence of who you are is all that your life has brought you — the highs and the lows, the pleasure and the pain and the happiness and the sadness you’ve experienced along the winding course of your life.
Since all things in your life contribute to your advancement and growth, it’s wise to be thankful for everything. Let full-spectrum gratitude become your new standard when giving thanks.
>> Start daily reflections tonight: As you lie in bed, think back over your day. Make it a point to remember those who have helped you.
Picture them and thank them for their support. Next, think of everyone who has challenged you. See them in your mind’s eye and thank them for challenging you. Challenges are the catalyst for growth.
Remind yourself that everyone in your life is helping you grow. Make this a nightly practice.
Most of all, remember that when gratitude is practiced, shared and verbalized, it creates a circle of connectivity that fosters joy and fulfillment. This is the profound recipe for happiness.
