The Gratitude Growth Challenge

“Of all the attitudes we can acquire, surely the attitude of gratitude is the most important and by far the most life-changing.” – Zig Ziglar

What We Need More Of

A janitor worked for a company for 20 years without any appreciation whatsoever. She planned to quit the day after the company changed ownership. However, a few days after the change, the new owner handed personalized thank-you notes to each employee. Upon receiving her note, the janitor broke down in tears. That little note meant so much to her, and she continued working there. She received something we all need to give and receive more: gratitude. 

Small Expressions, Big Impressions

We never know how far the little things like saying “thank you” or an act of kindness can make an impression in other people’s lives. We live in a noisy and chaotic world. It’s easy to point out the myriad problems or the plethora of things we can get angry over. Staying absorbed in what’s wrong can flush out our ability to be kind and grateful. Subscribing to an attitude of gratitude can radically make a difference in our lives and our world. Pastor Jack Graham confirms the power of gratitude by saying, “Gratitude sweetens our disposition, brightens our day, and encourages those around us.” Gratitude is often a small expression that makes a big impression. This month’s blog posts will focus on growing in gratitude. 

Gratitude is often a small expression that makes a big impression.

This Month

The Gratitude Growth Challenge (today’s post)

Glued to Gratitude (November 14th)

From Thanks-giving to Thanks-living (November 21st)

Your life flows where your focus goes

There is a high probability that on any given day, negative and toxic thoughts will attempt to rent space in your head. Zig Ziglar advises us to  “raise the rent and kick them out.” How do we “raise the rent?” In the first level, we must fix our focus in the right place and on the right things. Focus is a function of thought and attention.  A scripture in the Bible, Philippians 4:8, is forever etched in my mind regarding this. “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable… think on such things.” I cannot think of a better mental diet for the person who wants to shift their focus and perspective away from the negative and toxic and dwell on the positive.

Challenge yourself to grow in gratitude daily with this question, “What am I thankful for today?” Even one thing will do. You may have had a bad day. But it is possible to find treasure in the trash. Maybe someone treated you wrong or unfairly. Be thankful that they showed you how not to treat others. Gratitude will change your mental posture before going to sleep and disentangle your mind from anxiety and worry, which are the main culprits of sleeplessness. In doing so, you will be supplied with the one thing most people lack and seek. Contentment. Try some gratitude before you sleep tonight and every night afterward. Just one thing. It will change how you see everything! 

Final thought: Gratitude is one of the best ways to be emotionally healthy and wealthy. It will soar your emotional stock, and its dividends will be invaluable. Grow in gratitude. Make the shift and experience the lift!

Keep on keeping on