As I write this blog it’s Thanksgiving and I’m reflecting on this year. It has been a year of ups and downs for me. I bought a new house, started a new job, had a family member move in with me, resigned from my job and went back to my former job! As I said, A LOT has happened.

The majority of those things were unplanned and unexpected. Yet through it all I can honestly say I’m grateful for everything that has happend this year. It has been a tremendous learning experience. Most of the lessons I learned I did so kicking and screaming. God had me on the potter’s wheel and I did everything in my power to get off! When I realized this year has been about God teaching me things about me, I succumbed. The real turning point happened when I switched my attitude to one of gratitude.

Attitude of Gratitude

As I focused on being grateful, things began to shift. Things were by no means ideal, but they weren’t hopeless either. I remembered how long I’d dreamed of owning a house, and to finally realize that dream made me grateful. I never expected to have  a temporary house mate, but to be able to help someone made me feel grateful. I looked at every situation and saw the good. It didn’t take long after that for everything to shift. I can honestly say things are shifting again for me…shifting for the better.

For the past couple of weeks I’ve felt such excitement because I’m beginning to get a glimpse of what’s in store for me. I have an expectation of good things to come. I’m extremely hopeful and grateful.

So, here are a few reasons I believe everyone should have an attitude of gratitude:

1. It brings you back in the moment. When you’re in the moment you’re not thinking about what has happened in the past and you’re not worrying about the future.

2. It gives you perspective. It allows you to see that things aren’t all bad. No matter how bad your circumstances are you can always find something to be grateful about. I admit some days it’s harder to do, and you have to really think, but you can find something.

3. It helps you surrender. When you’re in a space of gratitude you let go of the stress from your current circumstances. Surrender is such a gift. It reminds us we have a choice in how we react in any given moment. That is power and it removes the feelings of hopelessness.

So, on this Thanksgiving and for the remaining holiday season, I hope you will practice an attitude of gratitude.

Question: Why are you feeling grateful?

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