What Does Being Grateful Mean to You?
When was the last time you sat down and thought about what you have to be grateful for? Surprisingly it may have been awhile, but you are not alone. Gratefulness is often something that we take for granted, which is exactly why not many people pay attention to it.
Let’s change that today by sitting down for a few minutes and thinking about what we have to be grateful for. Here’s some ideas to get your juices flowing.
Health – are you in good shape, or are you dealing with a health issue?
Money – how are you finance wise, in good shape, or is this an area that requires improvement?
Family – do you still have all your loved ones around you?
Job – do you have a stable income?
Health
These four items are often taken for granted. Your health is a great example of this. You may not think about your health until you start to have issues. How many people around you are dealing with pain issues, mobility problems, are overweight or are suffering with a major health complications. Take time to be grateful for the current state of your health, and take actions to maintain it.
Family
Having your family around you can be a great source of comfort and enjoyment. Many families lose children at a young age, or a child loses a parent. If your family is intact this is another reason for being grateful.
You may be annoyed that your husband rarely helps with the dishes at night, but you love the way he always puts the kids to bed. Which one do you focus on the most? Instead of badgering him about helping with the dishes, express how grateful you are that he takes over the bedtime routines.
Work & Money
When it comes to your job, you may not particularly like what you do, but your job provides you with an income which allows you to give your family food, shelter and warmth. In some countries these things are a daily struggle.
If you are managing to pay your bills and mortgage on time, that’s great. As is feeding your children and putting clothes on their backs. Again, these are things that are almost impossible for some people to manage.
Maybe you need a new car, but until then be thankful that you still have one that is running. If you wish you had more money in the bank, be grateful for what you have managed to save so far.
In other words, stop focusing on those things you don’t have and concentrate on what you do have. If you have a loving partner or kids that are doing fantastic in school, show them how grateful and thankful you are. Is your family healthy and happy? Wonderful, so many families have a member that is sick and this can pull down every member.
Improving Relationships
Any relationship can be improved by displaying your gratitude for each other. It is important to focus on what you already have. When you do you will notice that it is easy to find additional things that you are grateful for. Plus, what person doesn’t like to be appreciated? Think of a time someone thanked you for something unexpected.
You don’t have to be totally satisfied with your life. But you should take the time to think about those things you do have, compared to those less fortunate. Then be grateful for what you have. Stop dwelling on the “what if’s” and the “don’t have’s” in life. Focus on your family and your health and the word grateful will take on a whole new aspect for you.
If you are having trouble displaying your gratitude then simply write down all the things you are grateful for. Think about what others do for you, what qualities someone you appreciate has and more. Once you have identified these you will find it easier to find more things to be appreciative of.
I have created a 30 Day Gratitude Challenge, both on my blog and an email (which has some extra surprises). I invite you to check both out. The blog is www.simplestepstospeakingsuccess.com Day One
Hope to see you soon
Fran Watson
Be Grateful
