Get the Gratitude Attitude

If you didn’t grow up in Southern California you might be disenchanted at his time of year for the lack of definitive seasons!  Longing for the brilliant color of leaves and the cool crisp air that says HEY it’s FALL!!!!  If you grew up here you are well aware of the subtle seasonal differences because you are observant of nature and of course the cues strategically placed in all the shopping venues.

With the recent passing of Halloween, an awareness of the coming holiday season creeps into your mind. You may  experience an anxious anticipation about gatherings with friends and family. If you have children, it might be all about the PRESENTS!!!  Or maybe you are overcome with a sense of dread.

You are aware that soon…you will be busy with multiple expectations placed on your time and energy.

So, with Thanksgiving around the corner now is a great time to take a new approach. Let’s create a gratitude list. This is important. Why? Because we are surrounded by people who point out what is wrong instead of what is good. As a result, topics of conversation are typically negative including taxes, politicians, crime, the school system, weight, money, children, or your spouse!!!!

Sure, sharing personal problems and concerns allows for increased intimacy in your relationships and can create an opportunity to gain emotional support from others.

However, staying in a negative mindset is defeatist.

Changing your Process

If you focus on the “positive” of any situation, and find something for which to be grateful, you can change how you feel. This will be reflected in your attitude toward life. YOUR LIFE!

We all know identifying problems is easy. To find solutions is work. And, sometimes there are no answers and the problems can’t be solved. In this case the positive focus is on what was gained in the process. For example, the economy has affected many.  Jobs and homes have been lost, neighborhoods have changed, spending habits and extracurricular activities have been modified. People have died and accidents happened and you (and I) have aged whether we like it or not.

So what did you learn about you? Those you love? Did you grow closer through hardship? Learn how to set limits and create boundaries? Are you emotionally or physically stronger than you thought? Did you learn to ask for help? Did you meet new friends? Do you appreciate the beauty and strength of mother nature?  Did you find any joy in the eyes of a child? Did you feel peace and comfort in your house of worship? Did you experience unconditional  love by your dog? Any dog!!!?

The Gratitude List

Make a Gratitude list.  Remind yourself of your own personal gifts and graces! Remember what is right with your teenagers and what you like about your family members or your boss. Focus on the good of our country. Appreciate the interesting and unusual weather we have had this fall!  Think about those who put their lives on the line to keep us safe…military, police officers, firefighters. Look at your surroundings.  Reflect on what you have and where you live.  Who do you love?  Who loves you back?  What brings you satisfaction?  Who makes a difference in you rlife?

It does not have to be big like the birth of a child.  It can be small like witnessing a couple holding hands while walking down down the street reminding us to be loving no matter how old.

Suggestions for your GRATITUDE LIST

• Write it down
• Elaborate with details so you will remember
• Share it
• Keep adding to it
• Read it periodically to remind yourself of the little things that matter.

This is your list! It is about you and how you experience life. Your life. It is about learning to appreciate even the small often predictable mundane parts of our lives. So get a more positive attitude with GRATITUDE!