Day 46 – The Importance of Gratitude

A positive mental attitude is imperative for success in any area, but when things aren’t going according to plan it’s all too easy to slip into negative thoughts and emotions. Many people become angry or frustrated then express their annoyance without hesitation and let situations get the better of them. Some people are never satisfied with anything or believe the world is picking on them. They continually wonder “why do bad things always happen to me?” or something along the lines of “It’s not fair! Why can’t I be rich and live in a big house, drive an expensive car and have whatever I want!”

Nonetheless we are all responsible for our thoughts and emotions whether we choose to admit to it or not. So instead of focusing on all the doom and gloom, people should be making a conscious effort to focus upon the many wonderful things. These things will be different for each person, but nonetheless they exist – so find what they are immediately! That’s not to say we should completely ignore the negative aspects of life, but it is to say we shouldn’t let them plague our thoughts.

While it may not be easy we can gain greater control over the way we think and shape our reactions to circumstances. It takes persistence but positive thoughts can be embedded into our subconscious minds. There are various methods for achieving this and once such way is being appreciative for what we have, rather than complaining about what we don’t have.

Every morning list five things that you are grateful for, what this will begin to do is change your perspective on your life. This isn’t a new concept as it’s been practiced for hundreds of years in the form of prayers or grace before meals. However, giving thanks or being appreciative doesn’t have to be a religious practice, that’s subjective to the individual, the important thing is we acknowledge and appreciate the positive aspects of life.

Some people may struggle to come up with five things but they should remember food, clean water, shelter and a flushing toilet are commodities people in some parts of the world can only dream of. The ability to see, hear, speak and walk are also blessings which not everybody is privileged with, so when you get to thinking you can probably find plenty more than 5 things.

Here are 5 examples of things you can start with now:

Thankful for the sun

1. The sunlight. Despite modern methods of lighting the sun has been shining far longer than humans and their artificial light.
2. The heat from the sunlight which provides natural warmth during day.
3. The sun enabling plants to photosynthesize and creating blooming beauty -
4. as well as the plants which become food.
5. The sunny days which brightening up the landscape and create picturesque scenery.

Thankful for the inventors of light

1. The great inventors for their inventions and discoveries which have made website like this possible.
2. Thomas Edison for perfecting the incandescence light bulb which has provided me with instant light throughout my life.
3. The French physicist Alexandre E. Becquerel who investigated the phenomena of fluorescence and phosphorescence, and theorised about the building of fluorescent lighting tubes similar to those made in the present.
4. Peter Cooper Hewitt, Julius Plucker, Heinrich Geissler, George Westinghouse, Marty Goodman, Edmund Germer, Friedrich Meyer, Hans Spanner and Edmund Germer for continuing the design and research of fluorescent lamps.
5. George Inman and Richard Thaye for producing the first commerical fluroescent lamp and bringing a more energy effecient form of lighting into the world.

Thankful for the infinite Opportunities

1. The infinite number of opportunities in the world that enable people to succeed.
2. That I live in a part of the world that is not oppressed and therefore able to pursue many opportunities.
3. That I am taking advantage of my good fortune and working towards success rather than complaining about what I don’t have.
4. That I am in a position to inspire others and also help them achieve success.
5. For living in an age where mass communication is possible at very low-cost.

Thankful for the wonders for the rain

1. The miraculous power of rain…  Even though it dampens some people’s spirits the rain brings about many wonders!
2. Rain provides water to drink so that I may not go thirsty.
3. It provides water to plants which allows them to grow and become luscious, creating floral beauty throughout the world.
4. It also provides water for the plants which I eat, thus prevent me from becoming hungry.
5. It fuels the river, streams and magnificent waterfalls for me to enjoy.

Thank for the abundance of free online resources

1. The abundance of free online resources which help people develop great websites like this.
2. WordPress, one of the greatest Content Management Systems in existence.
3. Living in an age in which anyone can achieve financial abundance while sitting at home.
4. The ability to become affiliated with a multitude of companies and organisation who are willing to pay decent commission in exchange for exposure of their products and services.
5. The freedom to create a website and profit from almost every area imaginable!

So, today I am grateful for the importance gratitude plays in the world. There is a saying, “You cannot truly appreciate something until it’s gone” – so don’t let that saying apply to you, appreciate what you have now!