The Attitude of Gratitude

Once a year we take time out on a Thursday in late November to spend time with family and friends and reflect on all the blessings in our lives.  There is always a lot of planning, preparation, travel and sometimes a dash of tension.  But when the day finally comes, your heart is so full of gratitude it is impossible to contain it – it escapes your body through a smile, a hug, a Facebook post, a picture or a “remember when….”story.

So, why do we wait and only do this once a year?

If it starts within your heart, then at the very center of your heart it starts with being thankful.  This may seem like the most basic of things, so basic and automatic that we take it for granted.  Name 5 things that you are thankful for right now.  If those first 5 were easy, think of 5 more. Include the simple things, a good parking spot or time to read a magazine article or finding that one ingredient so that you don’t have to run to the store before you make dinner.

Studies have shown that people who express gratitude daily positively affect their physical health, moods and relationships. With so many scientifically proven benefits, why don’t we do more of it?  You may think that you are a thankful person, that every day you know how “lucky” you are, but do you take time to recognize it?  That is the key. 

We all teach our children to say thank you when they receive a gift, “Tell ____ thank you.” And maybe we set an example by thanking them for doing something nice for someone.  But how do we get our children to realize the value and power of thankfulness?  I believe that by incorporating small reminders into everyday activities you can create an attitude of gratitude that becomes second nature. 

One night while my husband was travelling, the kids and I were having a “sleepover”.  We all lay in my son’s room, read books and settled down for the night.  After we turned off the lights, I said “What are you thankful for and why?”  We went around the room a couple times each naming things that we were thankful for – a stuffed animal, having ice cream after dinner, family and friends.  This “game” became known in our house as “Thankful”.  My son now asks, “Mommy can we play Thankful?” when he is trying to squeeze out a few more minutes before we turn off the light.  How can I say no?  It’s the one time I am happy to extend our bedtime ritual.

Today I am thankful you took the time to read my blog!

Heart-FULLy yours,

 

Kacey