Don’t Take That Sitting Down

It’s a funny thing about life, once you begin to take note of the things you are grateful for, you begin to lose sight of the things that you lack.

Germany Kent

We’ve all heard that gratitude is a powerful practice with many positive benefits.

So we add that to our list of things we should do but never get around to doing:

· Exercise more

· Eat healthier food

· Read more

One of the obstacles to starting is a lack of clarity.

Which type of exercise would be best? How do I know which foods are healthier? When is a convenient time for me to read without falling asleep?

With gratitude we have a similar problem. Once we identify the obvious things, it’s hard to think of things to be grateful for.

Someone suggested using three questions instead of just asking what we are grateful for.

1. What do I have or have I experienced that my 12-year-old self would never have dreamed would even be possible?

2. What do I have that my 90-year-old self would be grateful to still have?

3. What do I take for granted that my ill self would miss having?

Here are some answers I might give to these questions:

1. The car I drive has features that didn’t exist in even the most expensive cars a few decades ago.

2. I enjoy strenuous hikes that I might not be able to take in a few more decades.

3. Sometimes just breathing can be difficult when I’m not feeling well.

The next obstacle is finding a regular time to remember to ask these questions.

A good time would be first thing in the morning or just before going to bed.

Next, we need a reminder until we establish a new habit: a sticky note on the alarm clock, a notification on our smartphone, a fob on our car keys.

To take this to the next level, we can keep a gratitude journal.

If you decide to do this, keep your entries brief.

You want this to be easy and enjoyable. Don’t let it become a chore.

You could also establish triggers to remind yourself to do a gratitude inventory.

For example: You could respond to traffic delays with a gratitude inventory.

Other triggers could be

· A difficult day at work

· Rainy, gloomy weather

· A frustrating experience with technology

Any unpleasant experience could be a reminder to ask these three questions.

A habit of gratitude will help you keep a more positive attitude and enjoy the blessings you might otherwise take for granted.

—Rod Pickett

Now available at Amazon: The Courageous Heart: Wisdom for Difficult Times in paperback and eBook, an Eric Hoffer Award Finalist, a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and guidance. Get your copy today.