The Power of Gratitude
It Can Transform Your Life
It’s easy for me to feel sorry for myself when things don’t go my way or as they “should.” So, I’ve been thinking about resurrecting an old approach because this one isn’t working that well.
All I have to do is watch tragedies unfolding around the world on the news—hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, wars, and poverty—that don’t touch me at all—and be reminded of my good fortune. There are many things to focus on rather than “poor me,” like the beautiful weather, my family, the cats, good health, and a lovely apartment. So, it’s time to move on.
What if I looked for things to be grateful for each day and the good in each situation? That’s not a new idea, but one I’d been ignoring lately.
As motivational speaker Brian Tracy suggests in this video, adopting an attitude of gratitude seems like a better plan.
Gratitude helps people refocus on what they have instead of what they lack. Although it can feel contrived at first, this mental state does grow stronger with use and practice.
People feel and express gratitude in many ways. They apply it to the past by remembering good memories and the future by maintaining a hopeful attitude. The good news is that it's a quality anyone can successfully cultivate.
The Verywellmind website offers reminders in the article "How to Practice Gratitude."
They suggest that developing a sense of gratitude doesn’t have to be challenging and doesn’t require special tools or training. I can put myself in a grateful mood by taking these actions.
Observe the Moment - focus on the experience and how I’m feeling, think about what is helping me cope and the people supporting me.
Write it down - keep a gratitude journal and jot down what I’m thankful for daily. Reading those entries can help me feel grateful.
Savor the Moment - take the time to enjoy the moment, concentrate on the sensations and emotions I’m experiencing, and think about things to appreciate.
Give Thanks - recognize and appreciate people, things, moments, skills, or gifts that bring joy, peace, or comfort to my life.
Focusing on gratitude seems much wiser than moaning and groaning. It also might help me age well.
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Gratitude helps people refocus on what they have instead of what they lack. Although it can feel contrived at first, this thinking does grow stronger with use and practice.
I am with you, Janice -- and with Brian Tracy. The perspective is so much more hopeful in counting what we still have left rather than what we have lost. Thanks for the reminder.