Live with an Attitude of Gratitude

Ah, November has surely arrived as frost collects on the ground and the vibrancy of fall coalesces into brittle leaves and swirls of chilly air. Yet, for many, it is a time of collective gratitude. I like to look at it as a refocusing on all the blessings – especially those simple, everyday blessings – that are all around us; at any given moment!

There are so many ways to practice gratitude. I regularly employ three methods: vocalizing streams of blessings while I walk or drive, utilizing creative expression (through art journaling, meditative practices, writing activities, etc.), and active acknowledge in the moment. Some people keep gratitude journals. If you celebrate Thanksgiving, this is a day to pay special tribute for all that we are thankful for. And for as many individuals there are out there, there exists equally as many unique ways to express gratitude.

Every day I make time to walk and during this solitary time I express thankfulness for mobility; the ability to be mobile and walk and also the freedom of movement within my world. I find that through the practice of mindful gratitude my awareness expands. Opportunities and possibilities that lie ahead are magnified. Lessons my past taught me are considered more thoughtfully. In this mindful manner, I experience a rather continuous stream of gratitude as daily life unfolds and this adds to a positive, energetic, optimistic countenance.

Let's live with an attitude of gratitude! How do you practice gratitude in your daily life? Are you acknowledging and receiving the blessings and beauty all around you moment by moment? Let's pause for a few quiet minutes and consider the inspirational quote for November by Melody Beattie: “Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” This month I challenge all of us to reflect on the scenes of our past, our current life experience, and visions for the future through a lens of gratitude. All is well.