Gratitude: A feeling, emotion or attitude of thankfulness or appreciation. The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation.
How many times have you been told to make a list of what you’re grateful for and often thought, not much? How many gratitude journals have you started – note, I didn’t say finished?
When I picked up the book The Power of Receiving byAmanda Owen in September to read as my Personal Development Book of the Month, I didn’t realize that part of the deal was doing the exercises and doing the work in each chapter.
Why am I not surprised that lack of consistent energy, procrastination, too much to do, too tired and not enough time seemed to be recurrent themes in my life?
I committed to the exercises mostly because I was being held accountable by several friends. One exercise was to find at least five (5) things to be grateful for every day and to write them down.
Some days are harder than others especially when there are problems and even crises’ but there’s always a great cup of coffee to be grateful for or an easy commute and even if you don’t make it home quickly, you’ve made it home safely.
And three months later the habit is as ingrained as brushing my teeth and for that I am grateful.
I am also grateful for….my yoga teacher, Dave Zyck, who reminds us each class to find something to be grateful for, and who shared the following quote with us last week.
Can you see the holiness in these things you take for granted – a paved road or a washing machine? If you concentrate on finding what is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul. Rabbi Harold Kushner
As you race around during this holiday season, find five things you are grateful for every day. This might just be the best gift you’ll receive.
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