Gratitude

" As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." John F. Kennedy

Thoughts to Consider

How often do we say, 'I am so grateful for...' ? Many of us utter those words frequently, but are we? Or are do we regularly express those sentiments because we think we should, but in fact think we are entitled. On the flip side ,some folks feel so overwhelmed by their struggles and challenges they can find nothing to feel grateful for. 

My experience with folks in the former category is they are fine as long as status quo is maintained. They are 'grateful' as long as status quo is maintained. However, when the winds change and their security is threatened, they learn they actually felt entitled to all they had and believe they are receiving a great injustice. Though if they accept the challenge, they become faced with an opportunity to realize how much they had to be grateful for and find ways to express gratitude for what they still have. 

Individuals in the later category face a different challenge. I have worked with individuals who have lost everything due to addiction. They have lost family, job, children and often been incarcerated for a period of time. It is inspiring to watch someone who literally has to rebuild their life against many odds do so by focusing on gratitude for every small thing and taking it a day at a time. 

Action/Exercise

• Make a gratitude list. Include; health, work, family, pets, roof over your head, food, clothing and anything else you can think of.
• Develop ways to put action to your words of gratitude. For example, if you are grateful for your home, clean it, take care of it.  If you are grateful for what your work provides for you,  do your job to the best of your ability and with a good attitude.