***Living With an Attitude of Gratitude

Living in a continual state of thankfulness is so important when managing life's complexity. Isn't it easy to get lost in the details of everyday living? In-between thanking our Source for all the perks in life, remember that true thankfulness is gratitude for life's learning opportunities and for Spirit being present to get the lesson to sink in. But sometimes it's tough to rise knowing that each circumstance we encounter is meant to keep us learning on our soul journey. What can we do to increase our level of thankfulness, even when we are shaking off the last disappointment and want to move forward quickly?

Get Back to Basics

Everyone needs to widen their perspective on what to be thankful for. Being thankful extends beyond the thanking we do at holiday dinners or for material possessions, job security or life accomplishments, which is easy. A thankful state of heart and mind pertains to the continual acknowledgement that, in each and every instance when you experience something much less than ideal, the experience is for your greater good. In doing so, you are relying upon your higher power, and strengthening your connection to Divine love.

Change Your Energy Around Quickly

Let's practice! If you get temporarily down, let the universe know you acknowledge goodness because life provides us with exactly with what we continue to acknowledge. Say:

I am grateful for this opportunity to learn more about my capabilities

I thank the universe for showing me this situation, so I can be more compassionate toward others

My difficulties today allow me to cultivate wisdom. I am a wise soul!

I love being and not just doing. My life is filled with gratitude and grace for this path I walk.

I am so happy and grateful that I have _____________ (come on, you fill in the blank!)

I am thankful for who I am because _________________ (name one thing you do well)

Slow Down and Have Perspective

In today’s world, we’ve taken “multi-tasking to new heights by attempting to be all things to all people. We are living in a bullet-pointed society – we don’t have time for depth, long novels, and 25 page documents. We need it in 3 minute sound bites. The next time you are consciously aware of operating in a “hyper-speed moment,” stop and breathe. If you’ve experienced a challenge less than optimal, remind yourself that all is well. All is not lost. The truth is nothing is lost in the mind of God. And move your dial immediately to the gratitude channel. When you are resonating with things you are thankful for, you are producing a vibrational quality where like attracts like. The universe, in all its infinite wisdom will simply respond by giving you more of what you are thankful for.

Affirm Regularly

It’s important to recognize that you are capable and strong enough to handle your challenges. You are unlimited, Divine substance with the genius of the universe as your parent. Remind yourself of that power often. Let’s affirm together:

“I become stronger because of the challenges I face. I am thankful for the opportunity to show others how to rise above everyday problems. Each moment I am focused by spirit to do the work I was meant to do. My heart is full of love and support of others who help me overcome. I AM infinite wisdom. I am capable, intelligent, strong and am thankful for what I can offer the world!”

Learn to love life. Be in love with life at an intimate level. Be a lover of life. Anytime we acknowledge that life is good, we are entering a state of gratitude. Today, begin to live in a state of thanks for being alive and having the chance to improve the lives of others through your words and actions!

© The Goddess Network, Inc. and Charlene M. Proctor, Ph.D. 2007. All Rights Reserved. See http://www.thegoddessnetwork.com/connect.php?page=eshow for more empowering thoughts on gratitude! Register for The E-Show, a series of enlightening lectures!