Let Gratitude Be Your Attitude

This post was written for us by Michelle Mattsen

 

How can I thank thee, let me count the ways.

1. Thanks for washing the dishes.
2. Thanks for picking up the kids from soccer.
3. Thanks for your support in words and actions
4. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to pursue my hobby.

At certain times of the year; Thanksgiving, Christmas, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Memorial Day, we as a nation take stock and reflect on what we are thankful for. Of course, we should be doing this on a regular basis but there's nothing like a national holiday to drive the point home.

There are even products out there to help remind you to be grateful.

Cards - There's a card for everything.

Journaling - Writing down what you are grateful for on a continuing basis

List - Making a list of all the things you are grateful for and then keep it handy so that you can read it periodically.

Gratitude Rocks - A special polished stone, sometimes with a saying on it, is put in your pocket or purse to remind you, whenever you see or touch it, to be thankful.

All of these are great ideas to start using. Pick whichever one you feel would be the most useful to you. When we look for things to be thankful for we tend to look outward. I want you to do something different. I want you to take a look at yourself and be thankful for the times you have done something for yourself.

Just like when you are in an airplane, you need to put on your own oxygen mask first before helping the person next to you. Therefore, what have you done for yourself? What have you done to take care of number one, you?

Have you been eating healthy, exercising regularly, read a good book, got a massage, took a college course, or anything else you have done just for you? Thank yourself for putting you at the top of your list for a change. Oh! And while you are at it, be in gratitude for all the natural talents you possess.

The whole point of being in gratitude is that it puts you in a different frame of mind, your outlook on your friends, family, work, community, and even the world changes. Even when things did not turn out the way you would have liked, be grateful for the learning experience because now you have gained the wisdom to handle the situation differently.

Being in a state of gratitude effects your whole being from your language, to your demeanor, to how you carry yourself. It becomes a part of you. You embody the emotion and it shows up in everything you do. And who doesn't like being around someone who is always in gratitude? 

Let gratitude be your attitude.