Are you tired of triple-digit heat and strangling humidity? Is your summer dragging by? Gas prices are at unreasonable levels and grocery store totals take our breath away. It is difficult to maintain an attitude of gratitude, isn’t it?
On social media, opinions are flaunted like truth and non-issues become points of division. Lines are drawn in the ‘online’ sand and with anonymity, people vehemently argue their positions pulling one another into the dark quagmire. Do you feel the urge to unplug and focus on something positive?
In his 1930 novel The Woman of Andros, Thornton Wilder attributed this line to his character, Chrysis. “We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.” 1
I think I need to exercise my heart and recognize my blessings – my treasures. Do you care to join me as I practice an attitude of gratitude. Open a new document on your computer or grab a notebook. Record the date, and something you’re grateful for – every day. Overachievers can record multiple things!
Write your thoughts in a journal entry:
~ I’m thankful for pets – past and present. For four-legged friends that have blessed me since childhood.
~ I’m grateful for people who challenge my thinking. Those who enrich my life by making me truly think.
~ I’m thankful for ho-hum weekends; days to relax with nothing on my plate.
Or write simple bullet points:
Health
Job
Friends
The roof over my head
Enjoy the snowball effect of gratitude. Increased awareness of blessings seems to reveal even more blessings. Developing an attitude of gratitude is an incredibly valuable act of self-care in our complex and confusing world.
What are you grateful for today?
1 Hischak, Thomas S.. The Thornton Wilder Encyclopedia. United States: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2022.
An Attitude of Gratitude
oops I think I replied the wrong way
This is an excellent project, Elaine. For year, as part of my nightly prayer I mention at least 5 things I am grateful. I start out with things that happened that day. For example, today it is raining steadily after a long hot dry spell. Also, we have a new computer which our grandson helped up pick out. He also transferred our information for from our old one, and he did this by accessing our old computer from North Carolina where he lives. Don’t know what I would do without all those who help me. Jerry is still working on installing it and helping me get used to it. Some days when I can’t think of new blessings, I go back to good health, etc. After I retired, I took every psychology course Jackson State had to offer, because I was always interested in psychology. One psychology professor had us lift things we were grateful as an assignment. It seems that it has been shown than this practice promotes mental health!
That’s awesome, Carol . You’re GREAT at being GRATEFUL. I have another friend who blogs on thanksgiving…a great exercise in becoming thankful.