It’s important for you and those around you that you find time to take a breather and be thankful for everything you have. Some people tend to focus on what they are lacking, instead of what they already possess. They focus on the “have-nots” in life. It can come in the form of statements like, “I don’t have enough money to pay for this wedding” or “I don’t have the energy to exercise today.” It can also manifest in the actions you do or don’t do. For example, you choose to binge on sugary comfort foods because you think you’ll never have the figure of your friend, who is sure to look stunning in her gown. In this case, you compare yourself to someone else and what they have, instead of focusing on your own unique qualities. If you constantly dwell on what you don’t have, you are more likely to feel sad or depressed. You are also less likely to attract what you need into your life because you are not looking for it, since your attention is elsewhere.
Being in a grateful state of mind, means shifting your thoughts to the things you do have. You can be thankful for the money you have to pay for most of what you want, for the energy to get through another day’s work, even though it may not have included exercise, or for the curves in your body that your fiancé loves. Strive to keep these things in the forefront of your mind. It will prevent you from falling into the “have not” category. Developing an attitude of gratitude gently reminds you that there is always something to appreciate, be it large or small. And even in difficult situations, there is usually something to learn and grow from and therefore, be thankful for.
To help you achieve a gracious mindset, begin keeping a gratitude journal, where you can write down all the things you are thankful for daily. Or if that becomes too time consuming, simply list five things you are grateful for each day. I borrowed this practice from best selling author and coach, Cheryl Richardson. It's a quick, easy and uplifting practice. So, what are you grateful for today?
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