Gratitude is something that has a truly transformational quality to it.

By spending a few moments each evening writing down just five things you are grateful for in that day, your life can change immensely. Occasionally there might be something quite amazing; usually there will be things as simple as the taste of a good meal, a pleasant conversation, a hug. There will be difficult days when you can’t imagine anything to be grateful for – that’s okay – reality won’t go away. But look for that bit of sunshine pouring in over the clouds.

In the most difficult circumstances, gratitude can offer some escape and peace – actually becoming a part of who you are. Until you begin to practice gratitude, it is hard to imagine the deep inner peace that comes to you, and makes you feel more secure.

M.J. Ryan, in her book Attitudes of Gratitude, says “one of the incredible truths about gratitude is that it is impossible to feel both the positive emotion of thankfulness and a negative emotion such as anger or fear at the same time. Gratitude births only positive feelings – love, compassion, joy and hope. As we focus on what we are thankful for, fear, anger, and bitterness simply melt away, seemingly without effort.”

Gratitude begins to change your perspective, a little bit at a time – and slowly you will begin to start noticing and appreciating the smallest details of your day in a new light. At first you will have to really sit and think about what you can be grateful for. Soon you will begin to notice these things as they are happening … and bit by bit you will begin to feel better about each day. If you spend time being grateful for what you have, you will absolutely become open to receiving more.

You will begin to feel better and more optimistic about things, and in a subtle way your consciousness will begin to transform and you will be more empowered to live your life in a joyful way.

Start your gratitude journal today. Use your calendar, a notebook, a journal, a document file – whatever you have. Just list five things you’re grateful for at the end of each day. It’s a simple way to see your life in a whole new way.

This entry was posted on Sunday, April 25th, 2010 at 3:22 am and is filed under Food for Thought, Gusto and attitude. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.