Gratitude

At this season of Thanksgiving it is traditional to express our gratitude. Giving thanks has been proven to be one of the most effective ways to increase your personal well-being.  Gratitude has been linked to increased levels of happiness and life satisfaction.

 “You simply will not be the same person two months from now after consciously giving thanks each day for the abundance that exists in your life. And you will have set in motion an ancient spiritual law: the more you have and are grateful for, the more will be given you.” — Sarah Ban Breathnach

Gratitude shouldn't be just for Thanksgiving - it can transform you to live the length and width of your life.  Human nature is inclined to look towards the negative, but keeping a daily Gratitude Journal will help to focus attention on the positive things in life.  Choose topics relating to experiences, opportunities, relationships, possessions, challenges/difficulties and sights.  Journal the effects of the situation on your senses - sight, smell, sound, taste and touch.  Then add the emotion you felt - joy, trust, anticipation, surprise, amusement, courage, pride, respect or love.

"Do not cling to events of the past or dwell on what happened long ago.  Watch for the new thing I am going to do.  It is happening already - you can see it now!  I will make a road through the wilderness and give you steams of water there.  Isaiah 43:18-19