Attitude of Gratitude

I'm sitting in the hospital as I type this, hoping that this is the final brief chapter in my husband's health saga. As I sit here, I'm also surfing the internet, and reading updates from friends on Facebook, Twitter, and email. As always, I'm struck by how wonderful my friends are and the support they give me.

One friend has restarted one of my favorite Facebook activities, The Gratitude Project. In this, all participants post to their online status three different things for which they are grateful. This is done daily, and no repetition is allowed. An interesting challenge, it's one I enjoy thoroughly, and it's also one I continued every day for several additional months last year.

This year, I'm incorporating it into my Realize Your Inner Goddess workshop class, which starts next week. Journaling is a key element of self-discovery and self-growth, and it's an essential element for success in the workshop. Adding this activity will be painless, and will even more clearly focus our attention on our blessings.

How often do we think to stop and say "Thank you" for our many blessings? What blessings do you have in your life? Do you have anything to be thankful for? When is the last time you thought about it? How would your life change if you stopped to express gratitude on a daily basis?

Would your attitude shift to one of gratitude?

People are sitting here with me, waiting for their loved ones to return from the procedures that they have come here to endure. This is easily the fourth different waiting area I've encountered in the hospital in the last eight months. Who knew Hospitals had multiple waiting areas, with such different amenities. I really liked the outpatient surgery waiting room -- this special procedures waiting room has far less comfortable chairs.

In this situation, it's easy to see how many blessings you have in your life. The nice couple across the room from me were waiting for results to tell them if the polyps had returned (they hadn't). I just wanted to know if my husband needed surgery. That verdict is still out.

What do you do when it's hard to see your blessings?

My children, like most teenagers, sometimes find it difficult to see blessings in their lives. The drama, the stress, the grades, the schedules and the hormones all block their view at moments. In their minds, there are days they have blessings, and there are days they do not -- it all depends on their point of view. And, believe me, their point of view can be set in concrete one minute, and chocolate pudding the next.

However, if you were to challenge them about whether or not they had parents that love them, a house they feel safe in, belongings that are meaningful, or friends that they care about, they would answer yes. Always. It's just that sometimes they don't always see those things as blessings.

When I realized this, I realized that maybe they're not the only ones. Sometimes, I have this same problem. I forget to see, to acknowledge, to realize or to appreciate my blessings, or at least to say "Thank You."

Do you ever have this problem?

What then, is the solution?

The solution is a new habit -- an attitude of gratitude. Easily said, and it's easily done -- all you have to do is notice something that you're thankful for, every day. And this brings me back to The Gratitude Project. Every day, find and document three things for which you are thankful. Do this for one month, without repeating any item. I know you can.

At the end, look back on your list. You will have listed wonderful things, silly things, funny things, enlightened things, dopey things, and magnificent things.

And maybe, just maybe, you will have cultivated an attitude of gratitude.

Allow yourself to be patient and to be true to yourself. Remember to take at least five minutes every day to simply be by yourself and breathe. Allow yourself to indulge in a moment of thought, reflection, and planning when the mood strikes. It's your life, your choice. Allow yourself to simply succeed on your own terms, to live in peace, abundance, and joy. One day, one decision at a time, remaining aware of your choices and your feelings. You CAN get there.

And, as always, if you need help, I'm available. It's what I do, and it's what I love to do.

Sharon.

Hypnotherapy can help you to think healthier, happier, and more successful thoughts while adding the power of relaxation to your life. As you go through your day, you feel better and perform better.

Contact us to learn more about how hypnotherapy can you propel you toward a healthier, happier lifestyle.

Hypnosis or Hypnotherapy, in any form, does not diagnose, treat or cure mental or emotional problems, and is not a substitute for other professional help.