Monday, April 20, 2009

Being Thankful

Parents, wise people, boyfirend, friends and many other people often say to me to always be grateful to what you have in life. We may not always realize that the things surrounding us are those things, big things and small things that are exist for us to be grateful. We don't always have to associate our gratefulness for the good things only. But also for the bad things that happen to us. Look for the silver lining in every situation. Go behind the story. If you look at the list that I post below, I really agree with statement number 7 which points out on the topic of Blessings in Disguise. Don't forget that everything comes to you for a specific reason. Below is the list of the 10 Ways To Get More Energy By Being Thankful

"Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough."Oprah Winfrey


10 Ways To Get More Energy By Being Thankful :

1. Gratitude Journal
Keep a Gratitude Journal. At the end of each day, write 5 things you feel grateful for from the day. A smile from a stranger, the hug from your child, an unexpected compliment, a good meal, a moment of laughter with a friend.

2. Before sleeping
Go to bed with a smile, thinking about all you appreciate in your life. Breathe deeply and relax as you do so.

3. Gratitude Dance
Take a few minutes and begin your day with the Gratitude Dance. Start as you mean to go on. If your energy is flagging during the day -- do it again. It will probably make you laugh -- and that will energize and refresh you.

4. Appreciate Family, Friends and Co-Workers
Bring to mind those close to you that you love and how you are thankful that they are part of your life. Make a note in your journal of your special people and why you appreciate them.

5. Express Appreciation
At home, work or in your community, take a little time to communicate your appreciation to those you value - in person, over the phone, by email. "In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit."Albert Schweitzer

6. Mid Day Break
Take a short walk and count your blessings, feeling grateful as you do so. You will come back inspired and enthusiastic for the afternoon.

7. Blessings in Disguise
When you are going through a tough time, it is harder to feel grateful. However, when you do, the results can be amazing. When things are not going your way, or the way you had intended, declare them a "blessing in disguise" and be grateful for them. This simple shift in attitude will make you a winner, no matter what happens.

8. Gratitude Gathering
Bring a group of friends together for a Gratitude Gathering and recount the things you are grateful for. Conclude with a Celebratory Pot Luck meal.

9. Nature Walk
Take a walk in nature and notice the beauty around you. Beauty might be in something very simple like a leaf, a bird in flight, sunlight on dew, an elegant branch of a tree, the colour of the sky, the crunch of gravel or softness of grass beneath your feet. Allow yourself to feel the beauty and your gratitude for it.

10. Be Grateful For You
Last but absolutely not least. Take a moment to notice the goodness of your intent; the caring you express to others; the endeavours you take to be true to your ideals, even at difficult times. Be grateful for and bless your qualities and strengths. There is no one else quite like you. Honour and appreciate yourself.

(source from huffingtonpost.com - images via justbesplendid.tumblr)

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

How coincidental. I was just saying that my burnout of 2003 was my blessing in disguise. I used those exact words before reading your blog today! In restrospect, I can say that, even though it was the greatest pain I've ever endured. But it opened up my eyes to what life can be like and that I deserve all that it can offer.

boya arsila said...

Actually the same term (blessing in disguise) is happening to one of my friends also. All I can say that the greatest pain can often turn into the best thing in life, just like you said, when it was able to open your eyes to the things you've never thought exist in this life.