Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity... It turns problems into gifts, failures into success, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.
Melody Beattie
R and R tip # 85: Reduce stress with a spirit of gratitude
In todays world it is virtually impossible to avoid stress of some kind. Many find it increasingly difficult and seek relief for their problems through any remedy they can find. Too often we think it is an unavoidable part of living in the world. We carry it around like a hiker trudging out of the Grand Canyon with a huge pack on his pack. The pack seems to be a part of his own weight and he can't eve remember what it was like not to be carrying it. Only when he stops to rest for a moment and takes off his pack does he realize just how heavy it really is.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if all we had to do to get rid of the stress in our lives was to rest a moment and take off those loads that we carry around with us every day. I've found that a very simple way to counteract stress is to take a moment and count my blessings. When we are thinking about all the good things in our lives, the burdens of the day seem to fade away.
People tend to take for granted the good that is already present in their lives, but if we take the time to think about them there are always many blessings in each day. Giving thanks makes people happier and more resilient, it strengthens relationships, it improves health, and it reduces stress.
Gratitude means thankfulness, counting your blessings, noticing simple pleasures, and acknowledging everything that you receive. It means learning to live your life as if everything were a miracle, and being aware on a continuous basis of how much you’ve been given. Gratitude shifts your focus from what your life lacks to the abundance that is already present
Giving thanks daily can result in higher reported levels of alertness, enthusiasm, determination, optimism, and energy.
Practicing gratitude can increase happiness levels by around 25% and those who practice gratitude tend to be more creative, bounce back more quickly from adversity, have a stronger immune system, and have stronger social relationships than those who don’t practice gratitude
The act of gratitude is a powerful thing. Count your blessings. Make a list of everything you're grateful for and keep it handy for your next load of stress. Reduce the weight and feel light and free without it. Be thankful. Praise always brings freedom not only for ourselves, but for those around us as well.
Love, Live, Laugh and Be Happy!
ma
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