It happens so easily. Every day. I read the comments, I hear the complaints. Sometimes, admittedly, they even come from me. The line is too long, I had to wait forever, it’s not exactly what or how I wanted, I give more, they take more. It's too much, it's not enough. If only this…THEN I’d really be happy!
The truth is, when we get caught up in our grievances, we find that we are never content. Nothing can or will make us happy. We are choosing our lack of contentment by focusing on what we do not have, rather than what we do. We are choosing our own unhappiness.
If we can learn to shift our focus, shift our minds and our hearts to a higher level of understanding – our perspectives begin to shift too. Pardon the cliché, but if we can learn to cultivate an "attitude of gratitude" -- everything changes.
In fact, studies show that a grateful mindset can promote physical health, improve sleep, strengthen relationships, and encourage a “pay it forward” mentality.
Here are some ways to practice gratefulness:
Keep a gratitude journal, every day find something for which to be thankful.
Look for something to be thankful for in every situation. (the long wait allowed me to have a great conversation with someone, or respond to a message, or just slow down for a minute).
Write thank you cards.
Make gratitude lists.
Make a blessings jar.
Help Others - pay it forward
Be well, friends. Be satisfied.
Great reminder for all of us!