Gratitude is the foundation of living an abundant, joyful life. Simply put, when you have a grateful heart you will be happier and attract more good. I am not saying you have to always feel good to attract what you want. I am a big believer in “the only way out is through” in terms of feelings. When you face loss or tragedy, you will feel sadness, anger, grief, etc. The point I am making is gratitude can coexist with any of these feelings. For instance, I was devastatingly sad when my dad died, yet I was grateful he lived a long life, I got to be with him at the end, etc.

I like to look at life as a spiritual school. It helps me to remember it is not always supposed to be easy. We are here to learn, grow and love. We are so vulnerable as human beings and life is full of pain and joy. What really helps me is to make gratitude a daily practice in my life. If I focus for 2 or 3 minutes in the morning on the people and situations I am grateful for, it changes my whole day. And if I do it consistently, it’s amazing what little miracles begin to show up in my life.

The following is a prayer I love. I plan to share it with family and friends over Thanksgiving. Maybe you will, too!

Be Thankful

Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire,
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don’t know something For it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations Because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge
Because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you’re tired and weary Because it means you’ve made a difference.

It is easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.

GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles
and they can become your blessings.
~ Author Unknown ~