Steps Towards Gratitude

 

One day at a time-this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has yet come. Enjoying the present, and make it so beautiful it will be worth remembering.

(Author unknown)  

 

There is a long list of things that can keep our focuses off of enjoying life and being grateful for the many wonderful blessings God has allowed us to encounter. Especially around holiday season. Many people begin to feel lonely and isolated, others feel the financial burden and strain, a great number of people suffer from low self-esteem due to packing on a few pounds as a result of all the good holiday eating. What we must remember is that tough and difficult circumstances may come and in some instances, be out of our control, yet we can control how we respond to them.

 

Below is a list of things that always point me back to a place of gratitude. I Pray they help you as they have help me in times past.

 

1) Appreciate God’s Creations.

Everyday we have the opportunity to see God’s hand in all of creation, everything from human beings to trees. It’s a shame then, that many people have become so accustomed to these beauties that they largely go unappreciated. Everyday take a moment to appreciate God’s creations and identify what makes them so special.

 

2) Value Family.

In every conceivable manner, the family is a link to our past, and a bridge to our future. (Alex Haley)

 

3) Build Relationships.

In many ways, it is our relationships with people that gives us the most happiness in life.

There is great comfort and inspiration in the feeling of close human relationships and its bearing of mutual fortunes

 

- a powerful force, to overcome the ‘tough breaks’ which are certain to come to most of us from time to time. (Walt Disney)

 

4) Have Simple Pleasures.

Take the time to value and enjoy the simple things around you, such as a good movie, concert, or sporting event. Something that breaks the cycle of your normal day-to-day routine so life will become more enjoyable.

 

5) Listen and Learn.

Life can be very rewarding especially when we grasp the concept that listening + learning= happiness.

 

6) Laugh, Laugh, Laugh.

Did you know that laughter reduces the stress hormones, wards off depression, cleanses the lungs, relaxes the muscles, enhances the immune system, and reduces pain and blood pressure? Never become too busy for laughter. The more you laugh the better you feel.

 

The most wasted of all days is one without laughter. (E.E Cummings)

 

7) Celebrate Your Success.

Often times we can’t enjoy our major victories for thinking about the minor failures we encountered along the way. Take a moment to celebrate your success. When you accomplish these victories, whether large or small, reward yourself with some gesture of accomplishment.

Happy moments, praise God.

Difficult moments, seek God.

Quiet moments, worship God.

Painful moments, trust God.

Every moment, thank God.