Originally published Friday, 23 November 2018.
At the beginning of this year, I decided that I would make a conscious effort to be thankful by journaling and here's why. Being thankful:
- Shifts your mindset
- Makes you positive
- Makes you happy
- Builds character
- Improves health
- Reduces anger
I can attest to all of the above, but my attempt at keeping a gratitude journal did not go so well initially.
It felt like a chore where I found myself being grateful for the same things every day - life, health, my family, a roof over my head. But the more I started to think of these things that I was taking for granted, the more I realized I had a lot to be thankful for. Even if it seemed trivial, I was going to be thankful. Now it has become incrementally easier to have an attitude of gratitude. I am grateful for the big and small; the tangible and intangible. I am thankful for the beauty of potential; I am grateful that I believe in Someone bigger than myself. Sometimes, I'm actually grateful for a messy house.
Recently this verse jumped out at me with new meaning:
I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. I will be filled with joy because of you. I will sing praises to your name, O Most High. Psalm 9:1,2 (NLT)
Even the scriptures were encouraging me to be grateful. You don't have to write it down, but if that helps you then do so. But more importantly, strive to be grateful every second of every day - it will make a huge difference to you and those around you.
Regardless of your circumstances, I challenge and encourage you to possess an attitude of gratitude.
Do you have an attitude of gratitude?
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