Start with Gratitude

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.” -Melody Beattie

A few years ago my sister gave me a little book that changed my life in every way possible. It was a gratitude book that had me writing three things I am grateful for each day. So every morning with my cup of tea in hand I would write what I was grateful for in my book. It started with the big ones; my children, husband, sisters, brothers, friends, home, that kind of thing. Yet, as I continued I started giving thanks for things I felt in the moment. For instance, my sweet cat on my lap, or the warmth of my house on a cold day, and of course, my favorite, the house to myself (if your a mom you know what I’m talking about!). You get the picture, simple, everyday occurrences.

Within a few months of logging in my book, I started feeling gratitude well passed my mornings. I would be on a walk and be thankful my dog was being so good, or the sun shining or meeting up with a neighbor to chat. All of a sudden the mundane things in life became things of great worth to me.

I’m almost ashamed to say, but when I was sick, there were times I found it very hard to be thankful for anything. In fact for years there were days all I could think of was how miserable I was feeling. Yet, my journaling stopped me from focusing on the things I didn’t have but on the wonderful blessings I did have all along. Instead of being angry for the medicine I had to take, I began thanking God that there is medicine that can help me. This simple way of thinking changed me deep inside. It really changed the way I looked at things, circumstances, and people. 

I have come to believe that this simple act of gratitude could be the secret of finding true happiness, no matter what your situation is at any given time.

Our perception of things can have positive or negative affects on how we see life. The wonderful thing about changing, is that when you change, things change around you. My family noticed how much happier I seemed and it made our home a happier place.

We live in a world where many of us take all that we have for granted. I think it’s important to step back and think about what really matters.  If you are like me you know there is nothing more important than your health and family. All that other stuff doesn’t matter and there are so many natural blessings all around us.  We are giving the gift of oceans, mountains, flowers and so much more from the universe all year long and I intend to appreciate each and every one!

I know if you are suffering with a chronic illness it can be a hard to look for the good in your life.  Yet, I’m sure once you start looking at the things you do have, you too will realize how truly blessed you are! There are many inexpensive gratitude books on Amazon that you can purchase. Today I am thankful for all of you that are reading this and reading through my website. I am especially grateful that you are on your way to better health!!