The effect of gratitude!! As if we need proof...we know from our own empirical observation what effect true appreciation has, don't we?!

Spreading Gratitude!

Let's make gratitude spread like a virus, after all it is contagious isn't it? When I answered the phone this evening it was my wonderful sister-in-law and of course she asked how I was. I told her that I was grateful. "Did you say grateful?" she asked seeming a bit surprised.

"Yep," I told her, "that's what I said, grateful!" Then she told me rather excitedly that she was grateful too which sparked a whole conversation about why we were feeling such appreciation. 

Well there ya' have it, proof that gratitude is so contagious you can catch it over the phone just by answering "How are you?" with the response "Grateful!" It has taken some practice though. A great idea in theory, it required a little flexing of my thank you muscle to get in shape.  After all, I've been answering that question for over 50 years several times a day most days with the canned response "Fine, thanks." In addition to having to reprogram my mouth to now utter "grateful" in it's place I also found myself a bit intimidated by the notion of sounding a bit weird. Having in the past centered my life around what others might think, I realized that the discomfort I was feeling was residue from how I used to be.  Now, when I say I'm grateful, it may or may not spark a conversation and that's okay because I am truly speaking from my heart. For that I am grateful :-D

Gratitude Connection

Seems so simple doesn't it? To be grateful that is, especially when it's for something that makes me smile, that makes me feel good. What about being grateful for things that leave me feeling like I've been kicked in the gut? I'm supposed to be thankful for that sick feeling, for sadness, frustration, anger, depression??? Yes. But how? Why?

What comes to mind is my premature grandson born 6 weeks ago at a mere 2 pounds. Unable to get sufficient oxygen using his immature lungs he was put on a ventilator, fed through an IV and endured major surgery within his first week. As tumultuous as his progress has been and as much as I was uncomfortable at the sight of all those lines he was hooked to I've learned to be grateful even during the times when I was afraid.  At first I was saddened that this tiny baby would always have a scar across his belly, now I am grateful for it, it saved his life.  

I am grateful for the wake up call of negative emotions because they always carry a message. They tell me that I am not where I want to be.They remind me to be present and call my attention to either address the situation or embrace what is beyond my control. Ultimately that brings me peace and for that I am grateful.

Imago