AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

I woke up this morning with an overwhelming feeling of happiness. Why? I have absolutely no idea, but I'm really enjoying it! Just the same, it made me stop and think of what brought this on, and I began to list all of the things I'm grateful for.

Sarah Ban Breathnach, author of Simple Abundance, and a frequent guest on Oprah, suggests that people keep a "gratitude journal." Just list five things each day that you're grateful for. Big or small, simple or profound, it's up to you. Now, I must confess that I don't always write mine down, but at some point during my day I think of all that I am thankful for. Because no matter how crappy your day is, there is always something to be thankful for. And when you focus on those blessings, you feel better.

Here's an example of five things I'm grateful for:



1. My first cup of coffee in the morning.
2. The beauty of the brilliant fall foliage.
3. My family--having a husband and three children who are all healthy and happy.
4. The friends I have met online, especially my fellow "Romance Dishers".
5. My pets who never fail to make me laugh and give me unconditional love, and an houseful of hair!

Not to sound too Pollyannaish, but positive thoughts do become positive actions. Have you ever been around someone (or been that someone) who is all woe-is-me-doom and gloom-black-cloud-over-my-head-just-call-me-Eeyore? The longer they go on about the negative things in their life, the worse you feel, and no doubt they do, too. We all have bad days and are entitled to host our own pity party. Just don't let that party go on too long.


As we near Thanksgiving, it seems appropriate to focus on our many blessings. At our house during our Thanksgiving feast, everyone says what they are most thankful for. It's my favorite thing about the day.

So friends, what are you thankful for today?