Recovering the Attitude of Gratitude
By Linda Larsen

Could someone explain to me, please, exactly when it was that life went from being simple and relaxed to complex and stressed out? It seems there are times when I feel like I'm on a runaway bus and there is NO ONE in the driver's seat! Like I am desperately hanging on for all I'm worth, but my grip is getting weaker and weaker.

I do believe this is the stuff of which disease and illness is made. Stress, frustration, tension and fear - they all contribute to a life in which we often feel out of control and powerless.

In my quest for personal growth, I believe that I have stumbled across a way to reclaim our lives along with all the abundance we so richly deserve.

When you dwell on all the reasons you have to be grateful, you open yourself to receiving even more good - and more good comes to you.

First, I contend that the joy and relaxation we once enjoyed has gone nowhere. It is right here, right now. Perhaps it is only living as a "potential;' but everything first lives as a potential! And what is the root word within the word, potential?  POTENT! Power! Ready to explode forth - much like a seed. Give a seed what it needs: water and fertilizer, sunshine and loving care, and it will blossom into a magnificent reality.  And what does it take for our potential to become manifested?  I believe the secret may lie in our ability to live in a state of gratitude. I contend that gratitude is the "Miracle Grow" we are all looking for. Listen to the following wise words:

"When you dwell on all the reasons you have to be grateful, you open yourself to receiving even more good - and more good comes to you. As you begin to feel abundant, you'll be willing and able to pass positive things on to others;' says Oprah Winfrey.

"Feeling grateful to or appreciative of someone or something in your life actually attracts more of the things that you appreciate and value into your life;' says Christiane Northrup, M.D.

"Gratitude has a cleansing effect on the soul, healing us from the inside out. To say "thank you!"  is an act of spiritual power. The very act of saying a sincere thank you hones our personality, making us humbler, gentler, more loving people. When something good happens and we give thanks for it, recognizing it as a blessing, then its positive effect expands within us;' says Marianne Williamson.

Here's the bottom line: I cannot experience fear and gratitude at the same time. I cannot feel anger and gratitude in the same moment. And I cannot possibly feel resentment or jealousy when I view the situation from a place of gratitude.

Here's a very positive action for this upcoming week. Each day, write down 3 reasons you are grateful for your mate, a close friend or a valued co-worker (even the boss!) Title the page: Why I am grateful that you are in my life. I suggest that you do your writing first thing each morning so that this feeling of gratitude will lie in focus during your day. Then give that person your list at the end of the week.
I believe that if you will commit to this for this one week, you will notice some very positive things.

1) Your own emotional state will be more consistently positive.
2) You will have a positive impact on others (especially those ~people who receive your list at the end of the week!).
3) Your relationship with him or her will grow and expand.
4) You will be pumping healthy endorphins into your body with every loving, grateful thought.
S) People will simply like being around you!
6) You'll have this intriguing, enigmatic smile on your face a lot of the time causing people to want what you've got!

The benefits are great. The cost is a few moments of your time.

Well worth it, don't you think?

@ 2000. Linda Larsen. All rights reserved. Linda Larsen helps individuals and companies get unstuck, have more fun and be more productive. She is an international speaker, trial consultant and author of the book, True Power, and the best selling audio program, 12 Secrets to High Self-Esteem. She can be reached at www.lindalarsen.com or 941-927-4700.