Gratitude is riches. Complaint is poverty – Doris Day
It’s a Habit!
Gratitude is not a feeling; it’s a habit. The daily choice to live a grateful life starts by appreciating the little things we often overlook. James Allen says, “No duty is more than the giving of thanks.” When we are grateful, our lives become purposeful. Our hearts become fuller, and we see life differently. Gratitude is an infuser.
I keep a gratitude journal. Every day, I write a few words that express something I am grateful for. On some days, I am simply thankful that I am alive. That infuses me with a different perspective and attitude for the day. Gratitude requires intentionality, noticing what we often take for granted, and showing appreciation. This means opportunities to be thankful must be sought after. We tend to get stuck in the muck and mire of negatives, but we can pull ourselves out with gratitude. Using gratitude, we can train our minds to view life from a better vantage point. The pursuit of gratitude keeps us evergreen in the adversities of life.
Staying Evergreen
Have you heard of evergreen trees? Their leaves grow all year round, including the winter months. They endure adverse climates and maintain their foliage. Graduating in gratitude means you maintain a consistent attitude of thankfulness year-round in the ebbs and flows of life. There are several benefits to evergreens that parallel the benefits of gratitude.
Evergreen trees improve air quality by filtering air particles and using carbon dioxide while emitting oxygen, reducing air pollution. Second, evergreens provide windbreaks, preventing harsh winds that can destroy property. Third, since they maintain their leaves, they keep the environment colorful. Similarly, gratitude keeps away pollutants such as complaining, grumbling, and anger, which can lead to health issues if they persist. Gratitude turns you into a perennial giver. Gratitude and stinginess cannot co-exist. One of the signs of a genuinely grateful person is generosity. Their generosity is not affected by life’s adversities because it is a core value they have cultivated. With this core value under their belt, they constantly look for small and big ways to improve other people’s quality of life. They are selfless. This character trait makes them attractive to anyone they interact with. Their gratitude-dripping words and actions create a ripple effect. What words and actions can you apply today to express gratitude?
What words and actions can you apply today to express gratitude?
Final Thought: Gratitude flips the switch in your mind from focusing on the negative to the positive. This life-changing switch can help navigate the winds of life. Since gratitude starts with a personal decision, how can you stay evergreen with gratitude?
Keep on Keeping!
Discover Your Treasure 