This week I’m going to make it a point to tell those in my life that I am thankful for them. Sometimes it’ll be in a note. Maybe on FB, maybe in person. It might be as simple as a smile or a hug. The point is, I… like so many others, fail to show gratitude as much as I should. And it doesn’t take that long. It doesn’t take a lot of effort.
Imagine the world if we just said ‘thank you’ more often. If we just smiled and said thank you to the lady in the grocery store who picked up the glove we just dropped. If we all just waved a bit in the rear view mirror to thank the guy who just let us in front of him in traffic. If we commented on a blog that we read often but stay in the shadows. If we help the old lady reach that high can of peas on the top shelf of the grocery store. Believe in someone who has lost faith in them self.
Even with people that we disagree with or don’t particularly care for…there’s reason to show gratitude. They are in our lives for some purpose. There has to be at least one reason to be grateful for them. I’m going to find it, and express it!
Even the thought of giving,
the thought of blessing or a simple prayer
has the power to affect others.
~Deepak Chopra
I will see the beauty in all things. I will share my energy and laughter. I will listen. I will open my heart and my mind. I will be truthful and welcome the truth. I will seek inspiration and share inspiration. I will find a way to smile when I wanted to cry. I will see the happy in the sad. I will embrace the lessons and the joys. The frustration and difficulties.
Before I start my busy day, while still lying in bed, I’ll take a couple deep breaths and express my gratitude for a restful sleep. Throughout the day I will think of at least 3 things I am grateful for and I’ll write them down and focus on them throughout the day. And if I’m having a rough spot in the day…when my nerves just can’t take another second? I’ll take a couple deep breaths and look at the list. Focus on the things I’m grateful for and focus my energy in that direction. I’ll turn that frustration into appreciation.
At the end of the day I’ll say a little prayer of Thanksgiving.
It will be my goal to do this daily for the rest of my life. I think it’s a great practice!
