Attitude of Gratitude

"Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something for it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes.  They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary because it means you've made a difference.
It is easy to be thankful for the good things.  A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.
GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.  Find a way to be thankful for your troubles and they can become your blessings."

-          Author Unknown –

Did you know that an attitude of gratitude can improve your quality of life?  Research is showing that those individuals who are grateful:

►        Take better care of themselves.

►        Exercise regularly.

►        Eat a healthy diet.

►        Get regular physical examinations.

►        Report higher levels of positive emotions, life satisfaction, vitality, and optimism.

►        Report lower levels of depression and stress.

►        Are rated as more generous and more helpful by people in their social networks.

►        Are more likely to acknowledge a commitment to and responsibility to others.

►        Place less importance on material goods.

►        Are less likely to judge their own or others success in terms of possessions accumulated.

►        Are less envious of others.

►        Are more likely to share their possessions with others.

For what are you grateful?

1.  The ability to see my beautiful surroundings.        _________________

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What can you do to promote an attitude of gratitude in your life?

1.  Journal one thing a day for which I’m grateful.                                                                                                     

Sources:

http://psychology.ucdavis.edu/labs/emmons/  “Highlights from the Research Project on Gratitude and Thankfulness.  Dimensions and Perspectives of Gratitude.  R. Emmons & M. McCullough