One of the foundations of my Wellness Recovery class is educating clients on the importance of showing gratitude. Having gratitude demonstrates humility. Instead of dwelling on what is absent in our lives, focusing on what we have redirects our attention and gives us hope.
An activity that works for each participant is writing a gratitude list or in some cases keeping a gratitude journal. This makes the action much more doable. Once we write the 'vision' and make it plain, we can hold ourselves accountable to follow through. Counting our blessings, cherishing our loved ones and being thankful for the many opportunities we experience invokes a feeling of peacefulness that truly surpasses all understanding.
Setting the Standard
We must show gratitude for what we have, for others and to others. This is the standard.
Along with expressing gratitude comes a feeling of joyfulness. There are so many ways to show someone that we appreciate them. This expression of thankfulness must also be extended to our heavenly Father for the favor He bestows upon us. His grace and mercy, goodness, patience, and kindness toward us are the primary reasons we should be grateful.
Paying It FORWARD
what are some ways you demonstrate gratitude? This can be as simple as writing a thank you note to someone who has done something nice for you. This is another activity that I have my participants do in class. I give each of them a thank you card and ask them to write a note to someone who they are grateful for. In this case, it can be someone living or deceased, in their past or present. This is a wonderful exercise of reflection and perspective.
Share your gifts
Understanding what you were created to accomplish is a HUGE way to demonstrate gratitude.
Every gift you've been given is an opportunity to bless someone else. I am reminded of two amazing legendary women who are no longer with us in the earth realm, Dr. Maya Angelou who passed a few years ago and most recently passing, Cicely Tyson. Both iconic, powerful, creative, talented women utilized every gift, lived prosperous and productive lives, shared their creativity with the world and died empty. They were #purposeFULL and left legacies that will transcend time. This is how each of us should be . . . #grateful enough to shared what Most High has entrusted to us and imparted within us to give back to others.
The Challenge
I challenge to dig deep within yourself and find new ways to demonstrate or express gratitude for what you still have in your life. Remember, this invokes hopefulness by holding onto to what remains and not fretting over what is gone.
Loving you to life,
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