10 Days of Gratitude: Day 2 - By Valerie Hall

Gratefulness Makes Us Happy

by Valerie Hall

I was once pretty typical. I’d often think or say things like “When I am thinner, I will be happy”. When I… get that raise, buy that new car, meet the perfect woman, etc. THEN I will be grateful. I also spent a lot of time wondering WHEN all of these things were going to happen to me. Waiting for things to happen in order to be grateful is a very blasé way of existing. It’s passive. And most of the time, it simply doesn’t WORK, at least not for me.

Slow down.  Breathe. 

The biggest problem with basing my happiness on outside events, obtaining material possessions or relying on someone outside of myself, was that it made me FORGETFUL.   When my eye was on some prize that might come to fruition, I quickly lost sight of what already IS so wonderful in my life.

  

Viewing life through a filter of gratitude isn’t always easy, but it can be very simple.  First and foremost, I remind myself of all the things that I tend to take for granted:  The air I breathe, the love of my family, genuine friendships and the beauty I see outside my window on any given day. 

Once my every day blessings are recalled, I challenge myself to remember every single struggle I’ve ever had in my lifetime.  This may seem a counterproductive action… but when I do this? I am reminded of where I have been and that through God’s grace, I am still here.  I am still here to live and to love -- one more day.  This is the gift of NOW.  Being present always leads me to grateful. 

When I am done recalling the struggles of life… my mind seems to naturally respond with all the moments of joy and bliss:  The birth of my son, the pride on my mother’s face in response to anything I’ve ever even TRIED to accomplish, making mistakes and having someone love me anyway… Falling in love.

   

I encourage everyone to take time to slow down and just breathe.  If you’re feeling especially low, start with just ONE thought of gratitude. As you feel stronger, add one more.  Then 2 more.  Grateful does lead to happy, one tiny little building block at a time.

    

“Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies…” (John Milton) 

 

Valerie can also be reached on Facebook and Twitter. 

 http://www.facebook.com/perfekly.flawed 

https://twitter.com/perfekly_flawed 

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