Gratitude, we hear all through our lives to be grateful. Right from the start as children, to be grateful for a gift we were given, the food on our plate and much more. How many of us ever really got a real reason as to why we should? I don't remember getting an in depth answer as to why and what the root of gratitude actually is.
I believe that with age I am finally realizing the reasons as to why it is so important to remain grateful and the many things there are to be grateful for that are taken for granted every day.
I came to place about five years ago when faced with struggle I was forced into a position, I could choose this or that, Anger or joy, happiness or sadness, look forward or look back. That is when my world started changing before my eyes as I chose to count my blessings. Although I did not have much, I became unbelievably grateful for what I did have and continued through the years finding more and more reasons to be grateful. Not only is gratitude a great characteristic, as I just adore meeting people who have a genuine understanding of the practice of gratitude, but it can change your life! Your mind, turn frowns into smiles as you alter your focus from negative to positive.
We often focus on the things that we don't have rather than focusing on what we do have. When we do this it is difficult for us to see those small things that matter so much as a blessing.
All it takes is one minute when you first wake up, firstly you woke up! There in itself is a reason to say thank you as you take those morning breaths. Having water in your tap to brush your teeth is a blessing! clothes to put on, ability to read, ability to write, food to eat, people that care, the beautiful fresh air, the way the trees sway in the wind, how the birds are full of song as the sun peaks in through the window and gently caresses your face. Thank you!
Then it gets to some of the bigger stuff, allot of us see things as matter of course rather than a blessing. Of all the people who are trying to get employment or would do anything for it, those who have it are dreading it every day. All the thousands of people who desperately want children and are not able, yet there are so many people out there who do not see the absolute miracle in their presence when they look into their child's eyes.
All the small things are things to be grateful for, even if that is all you have you truly have so much. Material things do not define you. Of course, they are nice but they are not who you are. Having fancy this and that is not going to give you a reason to be grateful if you cannot find the joy within yourself and the absolute beauty that is placed before every one of us every day.
Gratitude, it can change your life. Start now.