Being Grateful: Counting Up All That You Have Going For You
There’s some hard times in the neighborhood
But why can’t every day be just this good?
~ Travis Tritt
Are you aware of all that you have going for you?
If you read or watch the news too often, you might start to think that the deck is stacked against you. It seems like we are up against insurmountable odds. At present, according to the media, it would seem that Armageddon is just around the corner ushered in by one or more of the following:
- Our Crazy Economy
- Craigslist Killers
- Republicans
- The Swine Flu
Being grateful is the antidote for all the fear and anxiety that is prevalent right now.
Being grateful for the things we have in our favor
Contrary to what these naysayers would lead you to believe, I think we have a ton of reasons to have hope. We just need to take a little time to count up what we have going for us.
I’ll offer the following list of things that leave me feeling very grateful. I believe these things are all we need to recover from anything we may face.
1. I woke up and had the strength to get out of bed this morning.
This is where it all begins. As long as I wake up in the morning, I have the power to make a difference in my life and the lives of others. If I can get up, then all the better. The only thing holding me back from there is my own fears and limited thinking.
2. I have good people that support and encourage me.
I am fortunate enough that I have people in my life that want me to succeed. My family and friends love me and cheer me on to victory every day. Knowing they are behind me and rely on me inspires me to always reach for more.
3. I ate yesterday and today and I’m likely to eat again tomorrow.
Not everyone is as fortunate as I am to have the basic necessities of life so readily available. Many do not even have clean drinking water! I don’t have to be concerned about where my next meal is coming from which frees me up to pursue greater things.
4. I have a sound mind with which to imagine a better tomorrow.
Hope starts with your imagination. Picturing in your mind where you want to be a week, month or year from now is the beginning of what it takes to formulate a plan. I am fortunate enough that I can clearly envision the path to where I want to go.
5. I have the personal freedom to choose my actions and reactions.
No matter what the circumstances, I choose my reaction. I can decide to make the best of it. Regardless of my government, my health, my financial situation or even if I am in prison, I decide whether I am free. My attitude is the biggest limitation I face.
These five essentials are all we need to improve our lives
I am grateful for the things I listed above. I believe they are all I really need to start to improve my life. Fortunately, I am starting with so much more! How about you? Where are you at? Do you have the things listed above? If so, then you have plenty of reason to hope for a better future!
Be grateful and count your blessings regularly. We take so many things for granted! We are not powerless. There is plenty of reason to have hope. Practicing gratefulness is a great way to restore your belief in tomorrow!
What are you grateful for in your life?
Photo by JAIRO BD
Great post Jeff, I think gratitude is massive. I didn’t realise how beneficial it is till I made a task to be thankful for the good things in my life every single day.
“Just like when a house appreciates it goes up in value, the things you appreciate do as well”
Cheers,
Glen
Read Glen Allsopp´s latest article – How to Generate Any Feeling, Instantly
Hiya
Thanks for this.
Posts such as this cause me to stop and reflect a little while. Many of us are fortunate to have comparatively stable, wealthy lifetyles. Maybe more importantly, we can learn ‘flexible’ thinking (such as you’ve introduced here) to help us appreciate our lives even more.
I’m grateful for:
Love, roof over my head, clean air and running water, relatively safe society, family, friends, access to a variety of food, good freedom of movement, potential to work, my ability to meditate and exercise (amongst others).
Thanks
Jens
@Glen – Being grateful really is something we need to remind ourselves to do. The intentional effort really is worth it.
@Jens – I hope this post makes others pause and give a little thanks for what they have as you have!
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts!
Gratitude is the currency of happiness. Whatever you focus on grows and by making an effort to be grateful you are ensuring that you grow more of that. Nice article.
Read Cody Dream-Life-Coaching´s latest article – 7 reasons you may be failing
What a wonderful perspective. I keep a gratitude list that helps me with this where I detail the little things in life like that…gifts from God (I call it) Like…walking barefoot in the grass, hearing husband hum a song, my puppy greeting me in the morning, etc…
It is also good to take a news fast occasionally.
Read Angie´s latest article – National Day of Prayer
Jeff,
If everyone in the world would read this and live by it, the world would fix itself. I realize it’s tough out there right now, but if you look at the big scheme of things, we are so blessed and “rich” compared to other parts of the world it isn’t even funny. Great post and I look forward to reading your future blogs.
Trey
Jeff,
When I complain about things in life I will look back at your 5 essentials and grin and bear it. So many others have it way harder than most of us. Interesting read…thanks!
Read Jake | Revive Your Life´s latest article – Identifying and Overcoming Career Burnout
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