Today, as many people across the US celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, my thoughts turn to gratitude. Today I choose to be grateful for all that I have and all that I am. As I am writing I look up above my desk to see these wise words from his Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama:
“Everyday, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others; to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others. I am going to benefit others as much as I can.”
I have read this message from the Dalai Lama many times and it always has an uplifting effect on me. I keep it on my vision board over my desk and look at it every day. In the past few months I have decided to keep a gratitude journal. Every day (or sometimes it might be every other day) I jot down a few little things that I’m grateful for in my life. Sometimes I’ll just put down one thing or other days I might have a whole list of things. It’s such a simple thing to do yet it’s so powerful. There are many benefits to keeping a gratitude journal. Even just noting what you are grateful for in your mind will work wonders too.
When you are in a state of gratitude you can’t help but be in a good mood. You start to appreciate things more. You start to notice those little things that make you happy. The things that irritate or annoy you either don’t bother you as much or you simply don’t notice them as much.
Living in a state of gratitude also raises your energy or vibration. You begin to resonate and project at a higher vibrational frequency. When we are in a higher vibrational state it is easier for us to attract more of the things that we want. Think of yourself as a magnet – what you think about you bring about! So if you are thinking about things that you are grateful for then you will begin to attract more of those things. If you think about thinks you aren’t grateful for, those negative things, you will also bring more of those about too. So choose your thoughts wisely. So what are you grateful for today? Start with the small things. I’m grateful that I had a good night’s sleep. I’m grateful for that decent cup of coffee I had today. I’m grateful to that guy in the car who let me out. When you start with those little things it makes it easier when tackling the bigger things. Having an attitude of gratitude can change your life. Start your gratitude list today. Remember to say thank you to those around you who have helped you in some small way today and every day. Happy Thanksgiving!
