Ways to feel more grateful.
This is the time of year when we are told to be thankful and grateful. We are told to count our blessings. We might even start a ‘gratitude practice’ or write down a list of things to be grateful for. We get a warm, fuzzy feeling. Until it goes away the next day.
Life was supposed to work out if we followed a formula that promised fulfillment but that hasn’t happened yet. We seem to have everything and yet… There is a nagging feeling that there is something more. And so we go for ‘more’, usually defined as ‘more material’ because that is what we were taught. We accumulate more toys. Soon, the ‘more’ becomes ‘less’ and we buy different toys. Repeat. ‘If only life were more fulfilling…’ we think. Overall, we don’t feel all that grateful, Thanksgiving or not. Life is a drag.
“The best things in life aren’t things.” – Art Buchwald
Is it possible to feel more grateful and make gratitude a natural part of our lives? Like everyone else, you have dreams, desires and wishes. You talk about them incessantly. You keep thinking, ‘If only I could…’ but you have many reasons why you can’t. Your idea of fulfillment seems unachievable and daunting when considered from the life you have today.
We constantly see and hear about people who make life work their way. They are joyful individuals who seem to have discovered what they were looking for. Gratitude is an important part of their lives. They seem superhuman. Can you think of living that way? Can gratitude become a natural part of your life too? How do they do it?
First, they do not waste time worrying about what others might say or think about their life choices. Instead of trying to interpret what someone else might be thinking about you – an exercise in futility – focus on where you want to be. No one can supply the code that will help fulfill your unique needs. Only you can. Just be your light, joyful self as you are meant to be. No one can be you or live your life. Put yourself first.
They act on their dreams and wishes instead of wasting time fine-tuning their plans in agonizing detail and seeking endless guidance. They take continuous steps, however small, that eventually lead them to their destination. You can do the same: stop talking and act in the Now if you want to make your dreams a reality.
“Do you want to know who you are? Don’t ask. Act! Action will delineate and define you.” – Thomas Jefferson
They have created a strong support network. For many, friends fulfill this role. Make every effort to nurture your support network. They keep your dreams alive and are there when you need them. Material can be replaced. People are irreplaceable. Be with people who bring out the best in you.
They have a strong sense of identity. It defines them beyond any environment they inhabit or material they might make out of their pursuits. Do not build your identity around temporary things. A fulfilling life can only happen when you make a sincere effort to understand yourself better.
“If you really have your own identity you’ll keep on doing what you think is really right for you, and you’ll also understand the next step you want to take.” – Helmut Lang
They don’t try to change others because they know that it is not possible. Instead, they get busy changing themselves. Work on yourself and life works out for you. And when life works out for you, joy and gratitude become a natural part of who you are.
Happy Thanksgiving weekend!
