"Life without thankfulness is devoid of love and passion. Hope without thankfulness is lacking in fine perception. Faith without thankfulness lacks strength and fortitude. Every virtue divorced from thankfulness is maimed and limps along the spiritual road." -John Henry Jowett
I recently came across an article that has resonated with me as it talks about the importance of a little exercise of Gratitude & Appreciation as a secret to success. As important as success is to me, I found the exercise could be more useful in bringing me out of this funk that I have been stuck in for what seems like an eternity. I don't want to be a downer and I certainly don't want to bring others down either. So in attempt to be a more positive and inspirational individual, I have decided to keep a personal blog to document all the things I have to be grateful for.
Before I post the people, places and things for which I am grateful for and appreciative of for today, I will post some helpful hints for those who happen to stumble upon this lovely little blog.
The basic idea of this exercise is if you learn to become grateful for the good and the bad, the easy and the difficult that are intertwined in your every day life, you will automatically attract more good into your life. It is a little something called the Law of Attraction. I believe in it and I hope you do too.
Helpful hints:
- Recognize all that you are already blessed with, including the simple things like being able to walk, have clean water to drink, etc.
- Be grateful for ALL that life has thrown your way - it is the most difficult experiences that help us grow to become better, wiser and stronger.
- Realize that we are surrounded by opportunities every day - be grateful for them, whether you capitalized on them or not. Maybe doing these exercises will open our eyes to opportunities that are there but wouldn't normally see.
- Carry a token with you every day as a reminder to stop and be grateful for all that you have. For me I have purchased a charm necklace.
- Keep a daily journal jotting down all the things in your life for which you are grateful for. You can write down 3 things or you can write down 50. It's all up to you. Be vague or be specific, just get it on paper. If you are grateful for not running out of toilet paper, then write it down. Whatever you are thankful for does not matter, as long as you are appreciative and acknowledging.
- Law of Attraction is working in all of our lives on a daily basis. In your journal write down the ways in which this law is working for you! By doing this, you will notice the positive aspects of your life.
“Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary.” -Margaret Cousins