In 2015, the importance of feeling grateful hit the high mark in the consciousness of many people. One of the New Year’s resolutions I’ve been hearing a lot about as we prepare to enter 2016 is “Being grateful for what I have in my life.” Feelings of gratitude for what you have lay the foundation for happiness now and open the door to attracting more of what you are grateful for in the future.
To paraphrase the words of Buddha, “…Think good thoughts, say good words, do good deeds.” If Gratitude were an archery target, Feeling would be the outer ring. Saying would be the middle ring. Doing would be the bulls-eye. May I offer these suggestions, in no particular order, to express gratitude as we prepare to enter the New Year:
- Feel grateful for your health. Act grateful by doing exercise on a regular basis.
- Feel grateful for your clothes. Act grateful by keeping them clean and neat.
- Feel grateful for your parents. Act grateful by honoring them.
- Feel grateful for your car. Act grateful by keeping it well maintained.
- Feel grateful for your employer. Act grateful by putting in a good day’s work.
- Feel grateful for your home. Act grateful by keeping it tidy and in good repair.
- Feel grateful for your dog. Act grateful by taking him for walks.
- Feel grateful for your clients, patients or customers. Act grateful by providing top-notch service or products.
- Feel grateful for your children. Act grateful by setting a good example.
- Feel grateful for your house of worship. Act grateful by attending services.
- Feel grateful for the Earth. Act grateful by recycling more.
- Feel grateful for your education. Act grateful by donating to their scholarship fund.
- Feel grateful for your favorite wine or spirits. Act grateful by imbibing moderately.
- Feel grateful for your grandparents and family elders. Act grateful by showing respect and love.
- Feel grateful for your computer. Act grateful by keeping your anti-virus software up to date.
- Feel grateful for our country. Act grateful by honoring veterans.
- Feel grateful for God. Act grateful by demonstrating grace and loving-kindness.
- Feel grateful for your spouse. Act grateful by doing a chore they really dislike.
- Feel grateful for food. Act grateful by eating mindfully.
I think the key to laying the foundation for attracting good things into your life is to manifest gratitude with actions that will nurture and sustain the people and things you feel grateful for.
These are a few of my thoughts. What are you grateful for? How will you translate those feelings into actions in the New Year?
For 365 days, from October 2014 to October 2015, I send a different “I am grateful for…” email to my children every morning. Some days it took a while to come up with one and on other days I thought of several. On December 16, 2014 the message was “I am thankful for my trainer. ” Thank you Joe.
Thanks for your kind words, Toby. I wake up every day feeling blessed to help people achieve success through exercise and nutrition. Most days I feel especially grateful for the privilege of working with very special people including you. Your comment has made my day…thank you.
For 57 + years, I can honestly say that you motivate me more & more each day. Your knowledge, practicality & understanding of each of your client’s needs helps you to surpass any other Life Coach and/or Trainer. You are truly a gem & one of a kind. I am so full of gratitude knowing I have you as my big brother.
❤ you.
Betsy
For 57+ years it’s been my pleasure to be your big brother. Perhaps I didn’t appreciate you as much as I should have in my youth, but I surely do now. Like two fine Cabernets, we are improving and mellowing with age. All my love and gratitude to you, Betsy, my little sister. Joe
Joe – I loved reading this inspirational article first thing in the morning. It’s profound, true, and easy to do. Yet, not enough people give thanks and show gratitude for what they have. I will instill this in my 2016 New Lease on Life and show more gratitude to all I meet. Thanks again for this inspiring article! All the best, Lori
Hi Lori, I am grateful for your kind words.You get it! Your ability to change and grow is one reason you are so successful. Thank you again…BTW, how is your book coming along? “I want pages.”