Are We Truly Grateful?
This time of year, we spend a lot of time talking about being thankful for different things. The concept is great, and obviously we should all be appreciative for the people and things in our lives, but how often do we give this idea of gratitude more than just a passing thought?
If you’re reading this, you probably are not among the roughly 15% of Americans who are illiterate. You likely are not in the 14% of people with no access to a computer. You probably can see, at least well enough to read this blog. You likely have enough of life’s basic necessities covered so that you can devote some time and effort to developing yourself spiritually.
If you’re anything like me, you take a lot of that for granted. I know this and I readily admit it. In truth, our entire worlds can change in an instant. Accidents, injuries and even deaths of loved ones can turn everything upside down and you are never ready for it.
Life doesn’t wait for convenient times to throw curve balls.
If you really take the time to pay attention to the world, you can begin to appreciate all that you have. Of course, we all have problems and areas of our lives that could be better, but there are certainly things that could be worse.
I Have a Challenge For You
I have a challenge for you. All it will require is for you to take the time.
Write down 10 people or things for which you are grateful.
Put some thought into your list. Think about your list after or before your meditation. If there are people on that list, make sure you let them know what they mean to you. Review it every day for a few moments for the rest of this year and think of ways you can express or show your feelings for the things and people you are thankful for.
Focusing on the things you are grateful for will make you a happier and more fulfilled person.
Stop Living As a Prisoner of Your Reactions
There are very few things in life that are certain. We all have desires that are unfulfilled and regrets over past behavior. I’ve found that those negative feelings are lessened when I can honestly say that, no matter the outcome, I took the action or made the decision that I believed was best, with the information I had at the time.
You cannot ask anything more of yourself. Everything is clearer with the benefit of hindsight but we don’t have that luxury in the moment. This is why it is so important to do all you can to respond well. Stop living as a prisoner of your reactions.
Appreciation and sincere gratitude will help to keep things in perspective when everything isn’t exactly as we wish. Don’t limit the attitude to just one season…try to make it a part of your everyday life. You’ll feel much happier and fulfilled.