Do you ever have a morning where you wake up, and life stinks? The last thing on your mind is an “attitude of gratitude.” In your mind, you ponder how life is unfair, or how you got the short end of the stick. It can be a dangerous place to reside for too long.
In the blink of an eye, life’s negativity can overpower us, especially if we are in the midst of unwanted circumstances. #gratitude Share on XWhen that happens to me …
I see UGLY, I feel UGLY, and I am UGLY.
Imperfections jump out at me from everywhere including all of my shortcomings and yours too. The pictures are crooked, the house is cold, and the furniture is worn. I look around, and I see everything I want but do not have. Of course, social media loves to toy with me as I look at happy people with smiles shining bright, a vacation I only dream of, and perfect lives displayed for all to see.
What can one do to avert the massive volcano of unhappiness that is about to erupt? The best possible solution is to …
Make a choice – to become a “Gratitude Seeker.”
One might ask, “Why bother?” – Well, have you ever noticed those who seem to have the “attitude of gratitude” seem, to be full of joy? They exhibit contentment in all circumstances. They tend to have more empathy, energy, and optimism; all of the things that add value to our lives.
True, some people are just naturally ”Gratitude Seekers” – you can spot them a mile away. They smile and laugh and point out the good things in life as if nothing is wrong. I used to consider them “fake, ” but now I see it is a much better way to live.
Those that are genuine have mastered the art of experiencing two things at once. Yes, pain and joy can exist at the same moment. One does not necessarily cancel out the other but seeking gratitude can help us to find happiness in the present moment.
With a little practice, all of us can become “Gratitude Seekers.”
The choice is ours every moment of every day. We can choose to see what we have or what we lack. Why not be a “Gratitude Seeker?” It certainly can’t hurt, and it might even surprise you.
“Gratitude and attitude are not challenges; they are choices.”
—Robert Braathe
Being grateful is a state of being. It isn’t just being thankful and using the right platitudes. It is a mindset; that takes practice. It is where you choose to focus your thoughts on what you have instead of what you lack.
It can be as simple as closing your eyes right now. Open them up and list out ten things that are good in this present moment. When a mindset of gratitude is practiced, it can become your new way of life. No, it is not perfect. When those unwanted circumstances start to show up, and the negativity starts creeping in, you can push those thoughts away and choose to see the beauty in the midst of the ugly.
When you begin to focus on all that you have, an “attitude of gratitude” is developed, and life itself becomes more beautiful. You find beauty where you thought there was none, you hear laughter where you once heard silence, and you see all that you have and not what you lack.
“There is little room for negativity or despair when we fill our hearts with thanksgiving.”
—Maree Dee
Should you decide to adopt an attitude of gratitude, be patient with yourself because it will take some practice. Also, don’t forget the most critical part to attain in this state of being is to express all this newfound gratitude to your heavenly Father above.
Will you choose to be a gratitude seeker in this season of your life? I would love to hear what you are most grateful for in this present moment. #gratitude Share on X
Embracing 30 Days of Gratitude
Discover how unlocking the power of thankfulness can help draw you closer to God and bring more joy into your life! Our 30-day gratitude workbook includes daily gratitude prompts, scriptures/quotes, and a place to record your thoughts. Our journal will be available free in November.
I want to be more of a gratitude seeker. Thank you for contributing to Literacy Musing Mondays.
Tami, Yes, me too. Maree
Seeking gratitude. It definitely takes intentionality, but it is so worth it!
I agree!!!
Love this, Maree Dee! Having had my life turned upside down by Hurricane Irma, I can get a bit overwhelmed when I focus on all that’s not ‘normal’ at the moment. But thanks to God, I have soooo much to be grateful for! I’m humbled by His mercy through it all, and I’m able to have joy in the moment when I choose a gratitude attitude.
I am so sorry your life has been turned upside down by Irma. You sound like you have this gratefulness down. Thank you for taking time to share that you can find joy by choosing an attitude of gratitude.
Oops, it sent to fast. I am correcting now. I want you to know I am sending prayers for you and your family.
Blessings,
Maree
Loved this post, Maree! Sharing on FB and Twitter.
Sarah, Thank you for sharing. I am so glad you like it. Maree
Thanks Maree, it is our choice. I know when I see the critical in my life, everything seems to be wrong. But when I choose gratitude, life is so worth living and I keep seeing good things all over. Our circumstances don’t determine our day, our attitude does.
Theresa, So true it is all about our attitude. I wish a good attitude could cure the flu but I guess it makes it not so bad. Have a great weekend. Maree
Maree Dee, what a beautiful post. Gratitude is a choice and it changes our perspective on everything. I join you in choosing gratitude.
Debbie, I am so glad you are joining me in having an attitude of gratitude. Hope you have a wonderful weekend. Maree
Kind of mysterious and amazing how an “attitude of gratitude” can change our demeanor, isn’t it? The inner spirit controls the outer spirit. Oh, how much we have to be grateful for. Even in the midst of pain, we’re so blessed. Thanks for sharing, friend. xoxo — (P.S., did you happen to see Jennifer Lambert’s post today over on #ChasingCommunity? Wanted to make sure you saw it because it reminds me of some of the posts you’ve bravely written. Thought you might like to read and support her. ((Hug)) Here’s the link: http://www.jenniferalambert.com/what-depression-feels-like/ )
Brenda, Thank you for stopping by and leaving a message. I didn’t read the post from Jennifer but will head right over and read it. Thank you so much for thinking of me. Maree
I enjoyed this post! It was very real and encouraging! Some days the flesh seems heavier than our spirit so it’s a great reminder of which one has the ultimate authority over our hearts and life!
Selina – I love your wise words here. Yes, some days the flesh does seem heavier. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. Maree Dee
I love the wording, ” attitude of gratitude.” Why is it easier to be a “Debbie Downer?” Thank you for the reminder. Goes well with Suzie Eller’s post today. By the way, I am you neighbor at Suzie’s site.
Michele – Thank you for stopping by neighbor. I am hoping to hop on over to your blog tomorrow. Maree
A good reminder. It may be the season of gratitude but our hearts don’t always choose to go there.
So true our hearts can sometimes get in the way.
Absolutely…and what a wonderful post for at this time of year! By the way, I’m particularly grateful for Americans voting this past election using Biblical principles and precepts (sanctity of life, etc.)
What you share here is also why I love Phil 4:8 because it admonishes us to focus on whatever is good, pure, lovely, admirable, etc., rather than focusing on what is wrong, unfair, upsetting, etc.
I also like the idea of having a “Thanksgiving Jar” …where you write down something each day for which you are grateful and stick that into a jar to be opened and read next Thanksgiving! Another idea for THIS Thanksgiving is to go around the table and ask everyone to share something for which they are thankful!
I love that verse too. What a great idea to make a “Thanksgiving Jar” and then to read it at Thanksgiving. I think I might incorporate that into our family traditions. Thank you for sharing.
Inspirational words and just what I needed to hear today! I am getting ready to throw a baby shower for a colleague and as we all do when entertaining, I looked at my house with a critical eye, feeling frustrated by the exterior that needs paint and the many things I would like to change on the inside. After pondering your words, I am feeling grateful to be able to have my colleagues over to celebrate the beginning of a baby’s life. I am grateful for my health and the means to be able to put together a fun evening after work with people who are looking forward to celebrating!
Your words reminded me of a book I once read called “Sleeping with Bread”. In it, the author describes some war orphanes who had lost everything- their parents, home, stability. Each night, the caregivers would bake a loaf of bread for each child to sleep with. It provided them warmth, a cuddle, and the security of knowing that they would have food in the morning.
The practice of gratitude can be this loaf of bread- we just need to “bake” it for ourselves by looking for what we are thankful for!
Thank you for reminding me of this!
I love that story about the bread. I am going to put that book on my list of books to read. Thank you for sharing it.
I love how quickly you were able to change from looking at what you might not have to what you can give. Your colleague will be so blessed; I have no doubt about that. The love and hospitality you offer at your home are incredible.
We could all use a dose of gratitude. It’s a beautiful choice. Loved it Maree!
Thank you!