Think for a moment about the concept of gratefulness.
Is being grateful something that comes easy to you? Or do you need to work at it?
When we have many obvious blessings in our lives, being grateful is easier than when times are hard and blessings are more subtle, more difficult to see.
A few years ago I had quit my job to start a business. The business went well for a little while, then after 9/11 it really went down hill and I had to go back to working for someone else. I was really focused on my poverty, on my dwindling savings account, and focused on fear too.
A friend of mine gave me an affirmation:
“Thank you for this wonderful peaceful and prosperous job.”
At first I was in resistance about saying it. I felt like a liar. But sometimes when I was walking it would come into my mind, and I would repeat it to the rhythm of my walk.
Within a couple of weeks I had a very good temp job, that turned into a full-time permanent job at the best salary I had ever earned.
Gratefulness implies that we’ve already received something, that someone has given us something and we thank them for it. The opposite is true, also. By expressing gratefulness we draw those good things to us.
What does it mean to be grateful? Do you show appreciation for what you already have, or do you take those things for granted?
Take a moment to look around you, and inside you. What can you find to be grateful for? There are material things but also a warm bed to sleep in, food to eat, family, friends, clean clothes to wear.
We all live on Planet Earth and that’s something to be very grateful for. The astronauts were filled with joy when they turned around and saw the Planet below, in all her beauty and glory. We can all be grateful to live here on Earth, and for the abundance the planet gives us.
Do you ever thank the planet? Do you show appreciation for her bounty? Or do you take it for granted by wasting her resources? Do you ever just stop and say, “Thank you” to Planet Earth?
Say it now.
It is so easy to get pulled into fear and negativism and to focus on the things we lack. As 2015 draws to a close, take some time to look up and see the beauty of your life. Focus on the opportunities that the New Year brings, of the many new people you’ll meet, of the re-connections you’ll make, of the many clients you’ll help. Focus on your gifts of talent and service that you’ll share with the world. As you set your intention for 2016, include “Gratefulness” in your list and notice what comes back to you.
And remember to be grateful for all your blessings.
Wishing you a new year of gratefulness for Love, Joy, Peace, Wealth and Abundance in all good things, Health, and most of all, Laughter.
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