by Bonnie Moss

Created on: February 04, 2009   Last Updated: February 05, 2009

Amid the clutter in our minds and demands on our time, it is important to learn how to have peace in our lives. It starts with an attitude of gratitude. There is always something in this life to be thankful for at the end of the day; as well as something to look forward to at the dawn of each new day.

Stop thinking of the shortfalls of life. This clutters your mind. This is a negative energy that can get magnified in your mind. It serves no purpose. For many years now, I start and end my day with prayers of gratitude. The sun does not always shine. Life does not hum all the time. But it does not mean that the melody is lost or gone. It is just interrupted.

It only takes a few minutes to say a brief prayer of gratitude each day upon waking up. Be thankful for another day. There are many who are languishing in hospitals or private homes praying for a bit more time on earth.

It does not matter that some days, things don't work out as planned. Focus on what worked, what went well, no matter how simple it was. A troubled mind has a bad habit of magnifying issues, rehashing the unpleasant and dwelling on the negative. Never start the day with thoughts of things that can go wrong. This is directing the Universe to louse up your day. Remember that thought is energy. Negative thoughts project powerful negative energy all around . Don't let this negative energy gain momentum.

Express your gratitude deep from your heart. These few minutes help to bring focus on what needs to be done. Taking a few moments to say a prayer of gratitude brings calmness, makes panic recede to oblivion. It helps to keep you in the present moment. It helps you to find that inner strength to carry on amid uncertain times.

It makes you appreciate the little things, like a neighbor leaving a plate of cookies, or a telephone call to ask how things are, a bouquet of flowers from a friend's garden and more. These are things to be thankful for at the end of the day. Simple things bring a ray of sunshine to a cloudy day. Put a smile on your face with happy thoughts. An attitude of gratitude gives you a feeling of confidence and inner peace. This is a step to attracting positive elements to flow into your life.

Challenges that come your way are manageable. You know that problems do have solutions. A feeling of gratitude encourages a more positive outlook on life. It makes you appreciate what Life has to offer, a chance to enjoy your time on this Earth.

Be thankful for the blessings of the Universe. Be thankful for the love given and shared. Mistakes are blessings in disguise, stepping stones to find strength and courage as you walk your path.

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