Giving Thanks
The Gifts of Gratitude
By M.J. Ryan (Conari, $16.95)
The more we experience gratitude, says the author, the happier we’ll be with ourselves and our lives. Although it’s not always easy to practice gratitude, it’s worth making the commitment to being thankful on a daily basis.
1. Focusing on what we’re thankful for brings feelings of love, compassion, joy and hope. When we practice gratitude, Ryan says, fear, anger and bitterness “simply melt away, seemingly without effort.”
2. As we grow older, we tend to focus on what’s missing, inadequate or painful. Gratitude brings us back to a natural, childlike state of joyfulness, where we notice what’s right in life rather than what’s wrong.
3. Want to feel better right now? Take a minute to review all everything you accomplished today, no matter how small. “The more we pay attention to our successes and accomplishments, the more success we can create.”
4. Being grateful will shake you out of self-absorption and help you recognize people who’ve done wonderful things for you. Expressing that gratitude continues to draw those people into your sphere.
5. Notice what you pay attention to. You’ll create more positive feelings if you choose to notice the good things going on in life.
