If you are like me, being thankful and appreciative
doesn’t always come naturally. I have had many trials and heartbreaks that have
caused me at times to reflect a little too much on them. I have learned I have
to choose to be thankful. Every day,
I get out my journal and write out five things that I am thankful for. Writing
down my blessing serves as a visual reminder to me that I have more in my life
than I think I do. I need this reminder
daily! I can always find things to complain and grumble about, believe me I
have my fair share of problems and heartaches, but I choose to reflect on what I do have.
When
we have an attitude of gratitude, our lives will be transformed.
You might think you do not have a lot to be thankful
for, but look around you-there are others who go through far worse circumstances.
I’m I belittling your pain? Not at all! I have to tell myself the same things
because I have seen so much heartache and loss in my own life. Being thankful
is a conscience decision that will change your life for the better.
You
can be bitter about your life’s difficulties or you can be better because of
them. You get to choose!
If we choose to
look at our lack in life or what we don’t have, we can become cynical,
hard-hearted, thankless, unappreciative, bitter and even depressed. Being
thankful has health benefits, such as fewer aches and pains and overall feeling
healthy. Thankful people take better care of themselves by exercising more and
eating healthier. Thankfulness also reduces toxic emotions like bitterness,
envy and frustration, and decreases depression. Thankfulness also reduces
stress, improves self-esteem, and helps overcome trauma. Being thankful can
boost your immune system and improve your heart rhythms.
Be
aware of what you are thankful for and choose to reflect and ponder daily on
all the positives in your life. Be thankful for the small things in your life.
CHOOSE to change your focus from what you don’t have to what you do have.
