Cultivating Gratitude

Cultivating Gratitude. I looked up the meaning of thanks and gratitude and Webster dictionary defines “Thankful” as appreciative of benefits received. It is a way of expressing appreciation with or without an act. “Gratitude” is more like having a sense of thankfulness and the feeling is from within. Another Thanksgiving year is before us and I can’t help to notice the busyness all around, along with our long to do list for the holiday season. I personally feel compelled to do more than just succumb to the demands of holiday traditions and allow it to snatch the true meaning of Thanksgiving.

There’s enough research out there now that indicates how a state of gratitude can help promote a consistent sense of happiness. It can help people feel positive emotions, improve their health, deal with adversity and build strong relationships. This all sounds wonderful but what if you are faced with many painful challenges… like a cancer diagnosis? It is hard to be thankful and find gratitude in the midst of cancer. I agree, but what if we choose to change how we perceive our situation? At the end of the day, it comes down to our sole perception on how we get to do life.

It is hard to be thankful when we are too busy complaining when we focus on negativity and criticism. Cultivating gratitude will require you to rise above your negative circumstances, no one says to deny the suffering, but we must retain our clarity and strength so we can help transform the situation. Focusing on our blessings and serving others is a great way to start. It is amazing to see how the atmosphere shifts when we have a thankful heart and a mindset on gratitude. This Thanksgiving I encourage you to see past your circumstances and get yourself into a mindset of full awareness of thanksgiving and appreciate all you do have in your physical, mental and spiritual state.

I love this quote. “Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent” – Marylyn Vos Savant

Choosing to “Cultivate Gratitude” will make a significant difference in any situation, I guarantee it! By now, you know I am a strong believer of God and in His word, he says “Always be rejoicing. Give thanks in everything” 1 Thessalonians 5:16, 18

Sending you much love and healing prayers during this holiday season!