Gratitude Begets More

   Hi Friends! Today I want to talk to you about one of my favorite topics. And no, it's not habits, goals, or starting fresh. Today, I want to talk about gratitude. Here's why:  I keep coming back to gratitude again, and again, and again. It is so powerful to transform our lives in many ways. So, I want to talk about it... just one more time. 

  You may have heard the phrase, "remember when you prayed for what you have now." That is such a powerful reminder. So often we can get stuck mulling over all we don't have, worrying over what isn't going right, and feeling bad for ourselves that we haven't gotten that dream home or vacation yet. But we tend to forget there was probably a time when we prayed for the things we have now. I know I did. I spent ten years desperately wanting my own house, praying for a space we could call our own with room to host people and a big set of floor to ceiling bookshelves. And guess what? I have all that now. Does that mean I always remember to be grateful for it? Unfortunately, no. It's often easier to complain about the drain that needs unclogged, the backdoor that needs replaced, and the foliage which is out of control than it is to sit back and dwell on just how amazing it is to have this dream come true. 

  If we aren't careful, we can allow our minds to dwell on negativity, on lack, on all that isn't going right. And once we get on that path, it's a slippery downward slope. But with a little attention, we can train our brains to reach for what is positive, what we do have, what is already going well, and I think you will find the latter is a much better way to do life. Dwelling in gratitude opens the door for more in our life. Don't believe me? Have you ever had an ungrateful child? I know I have. And guess what, it makes me want to do less for him when he doesn't appreciate things. In the same way, when we are unappreciative of the blessings we already have, we are shutting the door to new opportunities. But like a thankful child, when we appreciate what we already have, we open ourselves to new opportunities for growth and abundance. 

  Gratitude doesn't mean everything is perfect in our lives, but it does mean we choose to focus on what is going right rather than what is going wrong. Take some time this week to slow down and think about all the blessings in your life that you once prayed for. Maybe that's health, a spouse, a child who is doing well, a home, a car, a good job, food to eat, financial security. Whatever it is you have, take the time to express gratitude and to train your brain to focus on all that you are already blessed with. When you do, you're opening the door to new things. Give it a try this week! I can't wait to see you succeed!

~K.L.W.