An Attitude of Gratitude

With November upon us and Thanksgiving right around the corner a lot of people are posting, writing or talking about gratitude. So this week I decided to research and study what exactly gratitude is. Many of us take it for granted or do not realize what it is. According to the webster dictionary, “Gratitude” is the state of being grateful. The Oxford dictionary puts it as the quality of being thankful; a readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

Many studies have proven the positive effects of gratitude/thankfulness. It is beneficial to one’s own well being as well as strengthens relationships (family, friends, employees, etc.). And much like smiling has positive effects on us and others, gratitude is the same. So maybe if we could learn to smile more and be grateful, we could handle the trials that come against us a little better.

One of the things that I learned while researching for this post is that gratefulness helps us to refocus on what we have instead of our lack.

Unlike other emotions, gratitude is a choice and something learned. We teach ourselves how to be grateful. Living a life of gratitude is noticing all that is present and abundant in our lives, from the simplest thing of beauty to the best of our blessings….which ironically is the whole meaning behind our name. Beauty Among Us is all about finding the beauty in life, no matter what is going on.

Following is a list of a few things you can do to help cultivate gratitude in your life.

• Start a journal to note both big and small joys in life

• Write notes of thanks to others

• Write down 5 things you are thankful for

• Imagine what your life would be like had a positive event not occurred

• Count your blessings

• Pray (most important of all)

I want to share some of my favorite quotes and verses with you…

• “When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.” Anthony Robbins
• “When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.” G.K. Chesterton
• “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.” 1Chronicles 16:34
• “Let them give thanks to the LORD for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind, for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” Psalm 107:8-9
• “Gratitude is a powerful catalyst for happiness. It’s the spark that lights a fire of joy in your soul.” Amy Collette
• “You cannot do a kindness too soon because you never know how soon it will be too late.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
• “Today I choose to live with gratitude for the love that fills my heart, the peace that rests within my spirit, and the voice of hope that says all things are possible.” Anonymous

Back to the title of this post, it truly is an “Attitude of Gratitude”. It is something that we learn how to live with. I would love to hear from you in the comments sections about ways that you grow gratitude in your life. You can also follow along on Facebook and Instagram, as I am challenging myself to 30 days of gratitude for the month of November.