An Attitude of Gratitude

If winning the lottery is beating the odds at 10,000,000:1 or more with no skill involved and becoming rich as a result, I'm pretty sure that most of us won the lottery when we were born. If we had been born at any time and place in history until now, what are the chances that we would have this level of health, wealth, and freedom?

It might be worth  seven minutes of your life to watch this video and learn the superpower...of a smile!

Here are some suggestions from author and speaker Jim Rohn to help you maintain an attitude of gratitude:

1. Time. Regularly set aside time to be quiet, to reflect. We live in the fastest paced time ever. From the moment we awake to the moment we collapse into bed, we have the opportunity to go at full speed and never slow down. If we schedule time every day to reflect, we will free up our hearts and minds from the tyranny of the urgent and rushed.

2. Thought. Give thought to the many blessings that you have. Living in a consumer culture, most of us are fully aware of what we do not have. But how often do we reflect upon that which we already have? Take some time each day give thanks for those special gifts  bestowed upon you and also for those gifts that  might typically seem mundane.

3. Generosity. Be generous toward those with less and not envious of those with more. We tend to look at others who may be wealthier than ourselves and think, “I sure wish I had what he has.” That kind of thinking breeds envy and jealousy rather than contentment. What can we do to break that cycle?  Be generous with time or money or both to those who are less fortunate than yourself.  

4. Ask. The next time you are at lunch with a friend, ask them what they are most thankful for. You will be amazed at the answers you receive, and you will create a meaningful bond.

5. Acknowledge. Tell those you love how thankful you are for having them in your life. So many times we neglect to take time to craft words for expressing what our close ones and their presence in our lives really mean to us. Write a note, use the phone, or put your hand on their shoulder, look them in the eyes and tell them the truth. 

One more from me...don't forget to smile!

What has gratitude done for you? What is a strategy you use to maintain or find a grateful attitude?