Gratitude

We take for granted too many of the things we should be giving thanks for. ~ Jack Levine 

I’m writing this post while learning to walk again after a nasty fall I took. I had surgery for three broken bones in my ankle and am slowly going through the recovery process. If you’ve ever broken a bone or been physically hurt, you’ll understand the frustration of the healing process and the difficulty of everyday life. 

This quote really rings true for me because before my accident, I wasn’t aware of the value of having two healthy, working ankles. Now, as I navigate these challenges, it helps me remember that I still have so much to be grateful for. 

I’ve developed a new appreciation for something that wasn’t even in my awareness to be grateful for and a renewed appreciation for all the things around me that I can continue to be grateful for!  

The way we perceive the world around us, the people, and the circumstances in our lives are so important. For example, we could complain about paying bills, or we could feel thankful for the comfort of a home, air conditioning in warm weather, heat on cold nights, and the ability to drive anywhere we want to go. 

It’s all about perspective. 

So many of us live our days on autopilot. Do you ever walk outside and take in the stars at night, or notice the beauty in nature around you? I love looking up at the blue sky in the middle of the day. The sky is such a magnificent wonder to observe; I’m just in awe. These moments are something we can all be grateful for. These moments bring real joy. 

The concept of gratitude isn’t new. We hear about it from Tony Robbins, Oprah Winfrey, and many others. And there’s a reason this conversation keeps coming up. Because being grateful puts you in a state of attracting more of what you appreciate in life. 

The things you’re grateful for become easier to see when you’re in the habit of looking for them. 

So… what do you want to focus on in your life? 

Take a moment each day to notice the things in your life that you can be grateful for.