This is going to be a short article because I’ve found there is an easy and sure way to develop a positive and giving attitude. I call it, “Get into gratitude.” If you will just take 10 minutes to follow this suggestion, then regardless of how you feel about the holidays, a transformation will take place for you. After you complete a gratitude list, you will find yourself in the holiday spirit.
Here’s how it works:
Whenever you’re not feeling particularly in the holiday mood, or if you’re in fear (any kind of fear – financial, emotional, professional, etc.), all you have to do is make a list of 25 things you’re grateful for. I like to use a notebook myself, but I suppose a computer or smart phone would do. The point is to write down 25 things you are grateful for today.
Your gratitude list can contain many different kinds of items. Here are some of the things you may be grateful for:
Having a loving family
Having a job
Making money yesterday or last month
Having your health
Having access to fresh water
Being in a position to help others through your work
Going on a vacation or just coming back from one
Being able to spend time with your kids
Having your kids be healthy
Your ability to enjoy a good meal today
Your ability to be able to afford a meal today
Working for a company that creates or sells a great product that helps so many people
Being able to walk without pain
Being able to sleep without pain
Having a home to go to
Having access to all the technology we have
Knowing that the NFL playoffs are right around the corner!
Having faith in God
Being blessed with good friends
Living in a country where you can do and become anything you want
Having options to completely change your life
Having access to great books, CD’s and other material to help you accomplish your goals
Having money in the bank today
Being able to read
Being free to act, think and do as you please
And so many more things. I’m sure you could add some really great things to be grateful for in your life, couldn’t you?
By acknowledging all the things you DO have, rather than the things you DON’T have – or are afraid you’re not going to get – you’ll realize that you are already blessed. In fact, the biggest blessing you have is that you’re alive. If you’re healthy, alive, and able to write a gratitude list, then the sky is the limit as far as what you can accomplish. And that in itself is something to be grateful for.
And if you’re not healthy right now, or if you’re in fear about something, or if some situation isn’t to your liking, just remember that it will change. Just try and think back to something you were worried about last year, or five years ago. What does that thing mean to you now?
The quickest way to get into the Holiday Spirit, or to develop a positive, healthy attitude about anything is to write a gratitude list. Start yours now and see for yourself.