First and foremost, gratitude is a way of living. It is a state of being where you open yourself up to receive good things.
It is a posture of openness, receptiveness, and willingness to receive abundance.
And when you do receive those very good things, you instinctively and consistently give thanks.
In other words, gratitude is not a one-time event where you say, “Thank you.” It’s an entire way of being in which you joyfully receive good things and give thanks for those good things.
The great author and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson put it this way:
Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you and give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.
So, gratitude is a habit. It’s a perpetual way of life, almost like breathing. You take in something good and breathe out gratitude.
- Receive
- Be grateful
- Receive
- Be grateful
It’s a beautiful cycle and a powerful way to live.
Additionally, gratitude encompasses all things. As Emerson said, “All things have contributed to your advancement.”
Everything in life happens for a reason, and in every circumstance, there are valuable things for us to learn. These practical things help us advance in life, primarily in character.
Because all things contribute to our advancement, we must live a life of gratefulness for all things that come our way.
Sometimes it isn’t easy, but I have found that when I choose to be grateful for even the small things in life, I feel better, and good things start to happen. Remember, it is always your choice how your life turns out.
Until next time, stay safe, and keep the faith.
