by Kim Pinkney

Created on: November 14, 2009

Gratitude Paves the Road to Joy

The end of the year is approaching. Fall means football, Caramel Bliss Popcorn and time to give Thanks. Even though we are in the worst recession in our lifetime; we still have so much for which to be thankful. We are inarguably in the most beautiful country. We have a wonderful standard of living: the best in the world. We have transportation, food, homes. We have a cool breeze on our backs and the warm sun on our faces.

In today's world we are used to the comforts and ease of life with cell phones, cars, the Internet and countless other conveniences of modern life. Yet society's sense of entitlement is prominent. This feeling of what one does not have and pursuing all desires lead to unhappiness among other more serious problems. Not to say that seeking or improving yourself is a bad thing, however, disregarding what you currently have is a road to disillusionment and unhappiness. Consider changing your attitude to one of gratitude. An attitude of gratitude up lifts the spirit and makes our problems seem smaller. The first step is to write down list of at least 10 things for which you are thankful. Do this morning and night for one month. Watch your attitude shift. Give thanks for your spouse or significant other. Give thanks for your parents. Good or bad, they had a hand in constructing who and what you are today. Be thankful for even the small and insignificant things that bring you a moment of joy, the sun sparkling on the morning dew, the thoughtfulness of a family member washing the dishes.

You will get used to seeing the positives in your life. What we spend energy thinking about tends to manifest. Ever notice when you think of someone they will often call you. Remember in school, the subject you enjoyed the most was also class in which you produced your best grade? What if you spent all your time thinking about what is good in your job, your family, your home, your friends, your hobbies? What is good will blossom? What is negative may still be there but it will not be your focus but rather a foot note. It can no longer consume your daily thoughts leading to worry, fretting, fear, depression and ultimately more of the same.

Your attitude with your loved ones are likely to be smoother and more loving because you remind yourself why they are wonderful and why you love them rather than picking a part their faults. End the list with one thing you are grateful for about yourself. Not an accomplishment but a character trait for which you are grateful. Your performance at work, your relationships and your health are likely to improve along with the gratitude filled spirit provided by giving thanks daily. Suddenly things viewed as a burdensome become blissful blessings in your mind. Is it easier to care for a blessing or carry a burden? Our load becomes light. Let the burdens of your mind be lifted by shifting your spirit upward toward giving thanks and finding joy.

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