Living with Gratitude

After my post yesterday, I was asked how people can be thankful when everything in their life seems to be going wrong. My first question was “Everything”?  The usual response is “Yes, everything”. This is when I know that their focus is on all the negatives happening around them. When things in life are really tough, you need to go back to the basics.

First of all, you woke up this morning – there are many who didn’t. This may sound flippant, but I believe that we take our time on this earth for granted. Treat each day as special, and it will become that way. It is never too late to be appreciative of your time here. Don’t waste it.

Secondly, have a look at the people in your life. They may be work colleagues, husbands, wives, children, friends – even strangers. Have you ever been in a situation where a complete stranger smiles at you or gives you a compliment – how does that make you feel?

I was recently in a shopping center and waiting in line at the checkout. An elderly man struck up a conversation with me, and once through the checkout, he thanked me for my time and said it brightened his day. Just from some small talk! The alternative would have been staring out into space waiting for my groceries to go through. I know which I would prefer to do. This gentleman also brightened my day and gave me an inner smile which lasted for a long time.

If we can have this reaction from strangers, imagine the power generated from spending time listening to loved ones. Life gets busy and sometimes you really don’t tune in to the conversations going on around you at home. It really is the time to direct your attention to those you love, and be grateful they are in your lives, and most importantly, let them know you are grateful.

I will be adding further to this article in later posts. The main message is to redirect your focus away from the difficulties and towards the many positives we all have in our lives, no matter what your circumstances.