There is one habit that stands out from all the others as a force for peacefulness and tranquility that can change your life.

This is a habit that is effortless to acquire and will reap benefits far beyond anything imaginable.

If we lack patience, this habit will bring patience into our lives.

If we are quick to anger, this habit will go a long way in helping us stay calm.

If frustration is part of our daily experience, this habit will bring acceptance closer to our hearts.

I am, of course, referring to taking time each day to reflect on all those many things for which we should be grateful.

Gratitude is Non-Negotiable

I have long encouraged my clients to ensure gratitude becomes a non-negotiable part of each day.

And, in doing so myself, I have found that making time each morning to write out a short list of just 10 things for which I am truly grateful, then reading that list to myself during the day prepares me, and sets me up to ensure each day is indeed terrific.

We take so much for granted that we often end up losing sight of how much we have and how much has been given to us. Sadly, many of us compare what we have with others, which rather than leaving us with a sense of gratitude for what we have, leaves us with a sense of longing for what we don’t.

Gratitude is not what we offer for big things, but what we should feel and experience for everything.

And the more time we invest in feeling grateful for our material, spiritual and emotional riches, and all the other gifts that form our daily experience, the more we begin to realize how truly rich and blessed we all are.

My wife Gimalle often reminds me of an experience she had as a small child. Her favourite uncle Eric, long departed, used to tell her that if everyone in the world threw their problems into a bag, and then tossed them into a large pile, they would hurriedly scramble back to find their bag after looking at someone’s else problems.

Now my wife is a smart gal, but even she acknowledges that as a 7-year-old, the wisdom of this story eluded her. But today, I am often the recipient of this tale of yore, and I will admit the wisdom is profound.

Focus on What You DO Have

Seems like we have been trying to understand gratitude for quite some time. But, what may be different today is not merely focusing on all the things we don’t have or would like to change, and instead focusing on all the things we have and everything that is right in our world. This doesn’t mean that there may not be room for improvement, but there is a significantly greater opportunity to add to something you appreciate having, than taking away from something you wish you didn’t have in the first place. Which do you have the greater chance of succeeding with?

Exactly, which is why the Habit of Gratitude – appreciating that which you have, will move you closer to having a more fulfilling life.

Which would indeed be worth being grateful for.

I’m very grateful for the opportunity to help people on their journey to change their habits and change their life. If you’d like a free consultation, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Let’s make a habit of meeting like this.