Thanks-living

In a hymn we sing at my church, it reads: "Gratitude is riches; complaint is poverty." When I first noticed this little note of inspiration, it was written on my dad's desk years ago. It is a saying that has really stuck in my mind, and for that I am truly grateful! It is such a great reminder that our wealth and value in life comes from how we look at it, which attitude we decide to bring to each situation. We mistakenly think of gratitude as an aftereffect, but it is actually an outlook that brings daily blessings that would otherwise go unnoticed.

I have a lot to be grateful for. It is a fact that simply cannot be argued. I try to express and acknowledge my gratitude daily. I believe that recognizing your blessings is the healthiest and happiest way to live life. It is so important to live in the moment, and notice that joy is attainable in the present - not something we have to anxiously wait for. We should not set ourselves up for failure by deciding that we will only be truly happy once we can afford designer products, marry Mr. or Mrs. Right, or get that dream job. If you cannot feel gratitude now, chances are you won't feel it once you attain whatever it is you thought you always wanted.

Today is Thanksgiving, but everyday is an opportunity for Thanks-living. Everyday there is something to be grateful for. Those who have the attitude of gratitude in the present, are sure to have gratitude for eternity. The instant we recognize the good we already have, it opens the door for more goodness to come our way. We don't always have the ability to change the situation we are in, but we always have the ability to change our attitude about it. What a freedom!            

We have all heard that good things happen to good people, and that is because these people are constantly expecting and discovering good for themselves and others. There is never a lack of goodness; and this goodness can be expressed at any time, at any place, by anyone. Even if we are momentarily feeling a lack of goodness or gratitude in our own lives, we can recognize the good in others lives and expressions. This will eventually lead us to the realization that good was never absent in our own life.        

I am grateful that we set aside specific days to celebrate and acknowledge the wholesomeness in our lives. Thanksgiving rings in the holiday season. It is a time I treasure. I believe that we are all aware of the great need to understand the deeper meaning of the holiday season. It is easy to become frazzled because of the high expectations during this busy time, but here is an idea that has always helped me in high-pressure situations: It is not about impressing, it is about expressing. I think this to myself any time I feel the need to re-prioritize my responsibilities.

I also wanted to share the following words of wisdom with you that one of my dear friends shared with me. I had told her that I hoped to write a post on Thanksgiving, and soon after she sent me a very helpful email. Her yoga instructor started one of her classes with these readings on the concept of gratitude.

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates vision for tomorrow."

I end this post with warm wishes, and I hope that everyone has a fantastic Thanksgiving. Let it be filled with love, life, and grateful expressions! However we choose to celebrate this great holiday, I know we will feel the love, give love, and acknowledge that love is ever-present.