An attitude of gratitude

We’ve all heard the saying, “Start every day with a grateful heart.” What does that question do for you? Is it just words on a screen to you, or does it light a fire in your heart? Are you someone who takes this saying literally and exhibits an attitude of gratitude?

I’ve been criticized in the past because I do have an attitude of gratitude. Some people have even questioned the authenticity of my gratitude. I’ve also been told I am too happy! What makes me sad is that some people would rather waste their time and energy on being miserable and what is going wrong in their lives rather than focusing on being happy and taking advantage of all the good things in their lives.

Why am I so grateful you may ask?

Well first, I am grateful for the blessings and grace that God has given me. I know some of you will stop reading now because I said God. That’s okay. I am a woman of faith and I am not afraid to share it. I have been provided far more in the way of blessings and grace than I could have ever imagined.

I am grateful for every morning that I wake up and put both feet on the ground. That may seem simple to you, but for me it’s a reason to celebrate. In 2011, I heard the words, “It will be a miracle if you live five more years.” If you do the math, you will instantly understand why I no longer take waking up in the morning for granted. It’s the reason I celebrate life every day and life every day to the fullest.

I am grateful that I have been through the trenches of life. Every challenge, heartbreak and failure I have had has made me a stronger person and has equipped me for the work I do today. There’s not a thing I would change from the past, because everything has taught me a priceless lesson. These lessons can be powerful, if you pay attention to them.

I am grateful that I started with nothing. I am grateful that I have been able to work hard for everything I have. I am grateful that I learned the reward of making sacrifices.

I am grateful for a husband who loves me and cares for me. A husband who has been there for me through good times and bad, and through sickness and health. I am grateful that he supports me no matter what the next crazy thing I want to do is.

I am grateful for the people I have in my circle of influence. I am grateful that I have other people around me that challenge me, stretch me and provide me the encouragement to keep chasing my dreams. I am grateful to have people around me who are smarter and more successful. It is through their influence that I will reach every goal I set out to meet.

I am grateful for the work that I get to do every day. Bottom line is, I get to help people every day. I am grateful that people let me into two of their most protected assets: their hearts and their minds. I get to enter this sacred place and help them change themselves for the better. There is no more incredible feeling in the world than making a difference in someone else’s life.

Now that I share that, you can get a better understanding of why I have an attitude of gratitude. Now it’s your turn. Why are you grateful? Where in your life are you taking things for granted? What great things are going on in your world where you can shift your attitude to one of gratitude, rather than one of despair? I encourage you to make a list of all the things you are grateful for and focus on them rather than everything that is going wrong.

Change your attitude into one of gratitude!