Gratitude

“Blessed are those that can give without remembering and receive without
forgetting.” — Author Unknown

In this first month of the new year it is imperative that we remember how blessed we are to have made it through a decade of living. This month’s topic is gratitude. Some may read this article and think I had a lousy year, I am glad 2009 is behind us. Trust me when I say anytime you are above the dirt it is a great day if you don’t believe this try missing one.

Today I am grateful for the cold air that blew across my feet on this morning after getting out of bed this means I have feet. Today I am grateful for the noise that my daughter made this morning when she arose for school it means I can ear. Today I am grateful for the bright light that shown in my window when I opened the blinds this morning it means I have sight. So often we take things for granted. I expect to have the use of my limbs, be able to see and hear when I awake each morning. This is a very arrogant attitude to have. It is through the grace of God that he has allowed the use of my physical body and kept my mind.

As I sat down to write this article, it dawned on me that my circumstance can change in the twinkling of an eye. I recognize that I should be content and grateful for where I am in my life right at this moment. I am where God would have me to be. The bible verse that speaks volumes about gratitude to me is Philippians 4:11-13 “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."

As a life coach I am always guiding my clients through the transformation process. One of the action steps that I suggest is writing down a list of things daily for 30 days that they are thankful for. I challenge them to allow no negative thoughts to enter into the equation. After the 30 day period we will go over their journal entries and it is amazing to recognize the many things that they have to be thankful for. Instead of an attitude adjustment I recommend a gratitude adjustment.

If we adjust our gratitude our attitude will automatically be adjusted. I understand how difficult life is and gets sometimes but in all things there is always someone that is worse off than you.

I challenge all of my readers for the next 30 days to keep a gratitude journal. Daily write down things you have to be thankful for. At the end of the 30 days e-mail me on meverett24@verizon.net and let’s develop a plan that will allow you to incorporate your journal in your daily life for the rest of your life.