I am blessed. I have been given many gifts – of body, of emotion, of mind, of spirit.
Gratitude, the feeling of thankfulness, begins with awareness, an acknowledgement, of the things that enrich my life .
Being able to notice what these are, to name and identify them, is the first
step on the journey of gratitude. Make a gratitude list.
Saying “thank you” is crucial too. Sometimes my expectations get in the way and I forget the many kindnesses, favors and
loving gestures that I receive on a daily basis…partly because I have come to
expect them. Say "thank you."
Giving away what I have to offer is another aspect of gratitude. I don’t mean skimming off the top; that’s an easy way to
give – sloughing off from my hoard that which I won’t miss or can’t use. What
really matters is showing gratitude by giving no matter what. Be open-hearted.
The interesting thing about gratitude is that I can
cultivate it. I grow thankfulness by reaching out and filling the need of somebody
else. When I'm feeling agitated,
grumpy, depressed, sad, I practice generosity. There is magic and power in
truly giving, especially when I don’t really “feel like it.” Give right now.
This "gratitude thing" is not seasonal. This is
the time of year for appeals, pledges, food bank and clothing drives. But of course this isn’t the only time people around me are in need. I can
practice today. Tomorrow. This whole next week. Next spring and summer. Commit today to a specific act of giving in six months.
Too, keeping a secret of my giving - not telling another
soul - feels even better than bragging kudos.
Gratitude transforms. It heals. Being thankful is
merrymaking. Blessings increase when I count them. Living in gratitude
requires great courage, heart, compassion; it also feeds me as well as those
around me. Offering appreciation for another can be spoken or written; but living appreciation through loving happy generosity causes all beings to rejoice.
I am truly grateful!
All blog photographs taken by Jennifer J. Wilhoit unless otherwise noted.
