The Simple Question that Will Change Your Life

Rest and be thankful. William Wordsworth

Could we change our attitude, we should not only see life differently, but life itself would come to be different. Katherine Mansfield

If the only prayer you say in your life is "thank you," that would suffice. Meister Eckhart

This weekend I attended a Christmas Musical Program. In between the songs several people spoke. It seems that the theme of the narrative was about distress, hardship and pain. The audience was indirectly encouraged to look back at all the troubles they had faced over the year . Well, if you had asked me before the service how my year went I would have said,"My year was great." By the end of the program I had thought of several hard times I had endured this year and was feeling that perhaps this next year would be best spent with my head safely under the covers! What we focus on is a powerful predictor of what we feel.

As I dragged my depressed self home I decided to change my thoughts. I asked the simple question, "What am I grateful for?" It didn't take long before a smile came to my face and energy back into my body. I was eagerly looking forward to 2011. A we end one year and move into the next I encourage you to ask yourself this most powerful question..."What are you grateful for?" You can start with your magnificent body. " I am so grateful that I don't have to even think about breathing. It just happens. I am so grateful that my blood carries nutrients to every part of my body and it doesn't feel hard at all. I am so grateful that my hair grows, my heart beats, cells divide, all without conscious thought. What a miracle!

Are you feeling better already? We have such power over our feelings. Take a hold of that power and choose thoughts that make you feel fabulous. Life is ours to enjoy or be miserable in. As this new year approaches choose to spend it in gratitude. I promise it will make all the difference.

Challenge:

Have you set up a gratitude routine?

Notice how your body feels when you are thinking thoughts of gratitude. What do you feel?

List 7 things that happened this year which you are thankful for.

Find at least one person you can express gratitude to today.