“What are you grateful for?” asked one of my teachers at the start of her class a few weeks back. Answers ranged from new clients, to family, to new learning, to friends, New York City, museums, to health. The teacher then asked if it was common for us to think about what we are grateful for as a regular practice. Much to her surprise most of the class said yes. “Really – you have established a way of noticing what you are grateful for?” she asked. Students began saying they write daily, or have a morning or evening ritual of expressing their gratitude list. Surprised by this, the teacher then asked, “Well, do you think other people think this way? Is this normal in our society?” The conversation was meant to lead us towards believing that “other people” view the world from scarcity and not abundance. And of course, there are plenty of people that view the world from lack of, receive their information from local newspapers, and watch doom and gloom on the news.
Here is what I discovered from that conversation. I realized that gratitude is an attitude that once you have it, you can make it a regular practice like brushing your teeth. I began to question if people really do think about gratitude. Interestingly enough, I began to do an inventory of the significant people in my life who impact who I am and who I am becoming. I realized all of these people have some form of expression of gratitude that they share. As I like to quote my friend Fr. Bob, “You are who you hang out with.” So, I choose to hang out with people who are grateful for what shows up in their life – including the tough lessons. I am surrounded by gratitude!
Here is my experience: when I am open, the world is open, when I am grateful, the world is grateful. Yes, there are times when it is easy to say what’s not working, but by creating a gratitude habit, I can create a new gratitude attitude every day. As Louise Hay says, “Gratitude opens the way for more good to come into your life.”
What’s your gratitude attitude? What are you grateful for?
I am grateful for new learning, my life partner, Lorene, the opportunity to buy a new car, incredible co-workers, my clients, the White Mesa allyu, my coaching colleagues/friends, my friendships of unyielding support – Paulette, Val, Joe, Louis, Didi & Ellenrita, my family, my blog, books, meditation, the building of international connections (South Africa), my chiropractor, a massage, my faith, and my ability to hold space & so, so much more!