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I know that, in America at least, tomorrow is Thanksgiving.  Usually, this is a time for turkeys, stuffing, pies, and most of all, overeating.  Some families remember to say reasons each member is grateful.  This is great to start with, but, how many of us remember to be grateful all year long.

I'm sure most of us have head the phrase "attitude of gratitude," but do you realize how essential this is to true success (and I'm not just talking about monetary success, but success in all areas)?  The more you give, the more you get.  It's best not to give to get, but because you give, you get.  Whether you're praying to God, or releasing the grateful feeling to the universe, it feels the same.  It is a feeling of contentment, joy, happiness.

Let me explain a little first WHY having an attitude of gratitude helps in all areas of success.  If you're feeling depressed, it's probably because you're thinking about what you DON'T have that you want.  If you're feeling fat, it's probably because you're thinking about the body you have and being dissatisfied.  If you don't have the love in your life you want (either you have none, or you aren't happy with the one you have), you're probably focusing on the ideal.  Yet, when you FEEL the feelings of want, being dissatisfied, lack, etc. - does it feel good or bad?  That bad feeling only brings more bad feelings into your life.  If, however, you feel good, that also brings more good.  You are an open book.  What you truly believe in your heart, is the way it is for you.

Whether you say you can or say you can't, you're right.  Abraham Lincoln
So, I bet you're thinking, "that sounds like me, how do I turn this around?"!  Start being grateful.  Be grateful for your place to live, because, no matter how humble, there are many people sleeping outside in the cold tonight.  Be grateful for your pains in the neck family or friends because they teach you patience.  Be grateful for your voice because I know many who can't speak.  Be grateful for your fat because it keeps you warm.  Be grateful for your pain because it means you are able to feel.  Be grateful for your legs and arms because there are many who no longer enjoy the privilege of having them.  Be grateful for the color of your skin because there are many people who don't look at life in exactly the same way you do.  You get the idea.

It is in being grateful that we truly realize how much we have.  Yes, there's something that all of us lack, but, there are also many things that we all have.  Why not focus on those.  Sometimes, you can't do anything about what you don't have, but you can make what you DO have even better.  It's also simply more enjoyable to focus on what we DO have.  It may help you turn your life upside down.

You can be grateful for what you have right now, or you can be grateful of what is coming to you.  Either way, I challenge you to write a list of 10 things you're grateful for (present or future) every day.  Just start cultivating that spirit, the attitude of gratitude.  Don't picture what you want as much as focus on things as if you already had them, and feel good.  The feeling good part is essential in the attitude of gratitude part.

Try it.  You just might like it.  I know I do.

Gratitude is an attitude that hooks us up to our source of supply. And the more grateful you are, the closer you become to your maker, to the architect of the universe, to the spiritual core of your being. It’s a phenomenal lesson.- Bob Proctor

Before I end today, I just want to take this moment to say how grateful I am for my family, friends and clients.  I love helping others learn to live a fuller, more beautiful life, while I'm learning to live a fuller life myself.  I want to change the world, helping one person at a time.  Please help me by paying it forward, in whatever way you choose.

Lisa Starr
Life and Corporate Coach

P.S.  I want to hear your best experiences with gratitude.



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