An Attitude of Gratitude

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I was raised by parents who often reminded me to be appreciative for what I had. We were taught to pray, to give gratitude, and to demonstrate respect. I even recall a instance or 2 in which I was sent to bed with a paper and pencil and told to list all things I was appreciative for. I do not really remember what I wrote down, if anything. I'm positive something, because my parents were inspectors of what they requested.

Over time I discovered more about how my mind works and began to comprehend that what we have in our lives is what we have a tendency to think about, and that we tend to accomplish and get what we subconsciously assume. I realized that if I were to keep on in a life basically filled with good fortune, I needed to feel fortunate.

Enter my discovery of "Attitude of Gratitude."

The wisdom behind this discovery is that our minds are magnets, and we will gravitate toward what we think about mainly, be it optimistic or negative. For instance, we have all spent time around the "Constant Complainer" - the individual unhappy with life, low paid, takes the crummy career, sees the glass half empty, etc. Such a person, through his own despair, will overlook chance and continue to impel himself into emotional bankruptcy. The "Constant Complainer" misses out and goes without, yet at the same time creates a life in accordance within his own belief system.

Everything becomes predictable to these kinds of complainers. They are pleased with knowing that their predictions are dependable and in accordance with their expectations - all depressing.

Through time, what I have observed is that our world is rather forgiving, but that if you totally concentrate on what you don't have, you will end up with less and less of what you desire. But, individuals who lead vigorous and fulfilling lives are individuals who are frequently rejoicing in what life provides them.

don't be conditioned to look at what is pessimistic or what could go wrong. If there are ten things going right, and one thing wrong, we tend to concentrate on what's wrong. It's similar to painting your living room and pointing out where on the carpet you spilled paint! While it can be tricky, there is a optimistic side to everything, and you can find it!

places grateful awareness on what we control. If we target on what we enclose that is plentiful and full, we are actually setting ourselves up for more good things to come our way.

The strongest aspect of Attitude of Gratitude is prayer. Giving credit for what we own is what in God's eyes is required to live completely through Him.

Let's face it: we could all stand to focus on the optimistic a little more in life. We all have those days where nothing seems to go our way. But, if we were to look at the things that were going right, think of how much better our day would be! In life, nearly everybody should be able to present an Attitude of Gratitude.

And it must begin with you!