Gratitude Is An Attitude

It has been a rainy week here in our country. These kinds of days make the bed, couch and television more inviting than ever. And sometimes, these days bring in gloomy feelings too because of the gloomy weather. But an attitude of gratitude is the simplest remedy for any gloomy thought or emotion. This I’ve learned through years of many ups and downs mostly in my personal life but not excluding my professional career too.

Just like other dispositions, gratitude needs to be cultivated because it’s just really not so easy to see the things we can be thankful for when we are faced with negative happenings and difficult people.

I have jotted some suggestions below which may be of help and worthwhile in developing and practicing this sense of thankfulness and optimism to anyone. After all…

Real life isn’t always going to be perfect or go our way, but the recurring acknowledgement of what is working in our lives can help us not only survive but surmount our difficulties.

~ Sara Ban Breathnach ~

• Never Compare

I know, I know, this may be easier said than done because most of us hear that small inner voice telling us we are not good enough. But anywhere we go and whatever we do, there will always be someone more blessed with good looks or have a better profession or have more money to spare than we are. Don’t put “you” down. Changing the way how you see and talk to yourself is the initial step to being thankful for what you have especially for the persons and things who fill you up with love.

• Start a Gratitude Ledger

Once you start appreciating yourself, it will be much easier for you to find the things and persons in your life which you should be grateful for having. Take the quote “Count Your Blessings” literally and list down these gifts you already have. Even the tiniest of compliments you have received within a day are great drivers for moving forward and appreciating more of your life.

• Gently Remind Yourself

Different kinds of stress will still bog all of us, but since you’ve already made a list of your assets, graces, favors, gains, advantages, “gifts”, comforts, improvements, prestige, recognition, resources, profits, merits and supports, keep these in mind all the time. If you tend to forget about these and get drowned by negativity, then take a deep breath for 5 to 10 minutes and then drive yourself to shift that mindset. It’s alright to start out slowly. Eventually, with constant practice or may I say, self-reminders, it will be easier for you to look at the bright side and bring back that smile on your face.