An “Attitude of Gratitude”: What is your mindset?

By Bruce Burke

When it comes to having serenity and peace of mind, developing an “attitude of gratitude” is key.

Being grateful is synonymous with being thankful and positive…having a “glass half-full” mentality. Although we all have much to be grateful for, how often do we acknowledge it? For many, having an “attitude of gratitude” goes to the back of the line when dealing with life’s inevitable challenges. After all, how can you be expected to be grateful for things like having a job or good health when your Mom is driving you crazy or customer service has you on hold for 30 minutes? It is amazing how often we let our daily inconveniences skew our perspectives and affect our peace.

Reaping the benefits of an attitude of gratitude requires action. You must show your gratitude. For example, if you are grateful for your home, you will take care of it. If you are grateful for your job, you will work hard. If you are grateful for your health, you will exercise and eat right. Feeling entitled or taking these things for granted will lead to unnecessary consequences and ultimately leave you feeling empty.

Whether you are an atheist or man-of-the-cloth, it is hard to consider showing gratitude as something other than spiritual. What is more pleasing than giving a gift to a child or loved one, seeing their face light up and having them display their gratitude by thanking you? Your spirit is lifted. We have all been given much, but how do we display our gratitude? This is a question each of us should ask ourselves.

Use “gratitude” as an action word to improve your peace and serenity. If you are grateful for something, acknowledge and care for it. Let the people you love know you love them. Let your boss, teacher or coach know that you are grateful for their help. This will leave you both feeling great!

This week and going forward, make living a life of gratitude a goal unto itself.

 

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