GRATITUDE. One simple word, a lifetime of benefits.

I know I stress gratitude again and again, but it’s not without just reason.

I want you to think about something for a minute…and be completely honest with yourself.

HOW MUCH DO YOU TAKE FOR GRANTED?

The answer is probably a lot. That is exactly why I chose Rumi’s famous quote for this meditation exercise.

If we wear gratitude like a cloak, we make being thankful part of life on a daily basis. It becomes part of who and what we strive to be. And that, in turn, changes life as we know it.

When we take the time to appreciate the little things in life, our entire life perspective changes. The glass goes from half empty to half full.

That’s because in gratitude, there is no angst. There is only positivity and appreciation.

Think about it like this…

If you’re focused on being grateful, how can you focus on being negative?

You really can’t. It’s impossible for gratitude and negativity to coexist. They are polar opposites. One literally pushes out the other.

Therefore, the quickest way to turn the corner when life sends you a curve ball is to shift your thoughts to simply being thankful.

The truth is that we can take every frustrating situation in our lives and literally flip the coin with an attitude of gratitude.

Is this always easy? No. However, it is always something else. It is ALWAYS amazing. The result is hope and a whole new perspective.

So as you go about your day today, remember this…

You are armed with a special gift-the gift of choosing just how to look at your life.

The question is…will you choose an attitude of gratitude the next time life sends you a rainy day?

I hope the answer is YES.

Exercise One

In the next 24 hours, make it a point to thank someone for something that might otherwise go unnoticed. You could thank the friendly cashier who made your coffee just right. Or you could thank a friend or family member for something unexpected. Take the time to notice just how this feels.

Exercise Two

Today’s meditation exercise is less formal than the rest of our meditations. I’m not going to give you a mantra. I want you to use this time as your own.

Set a timer. Now simply meditate for 10 minutes on gratitude. How does it feel to be grateful? How does this shift your perspective on life?

Congratulations on completing day six of this mindfulness meditation challenge! Four more days to go. I’d love to hear some of the things that you are grateful for. Feel free to comment on the Facebook page. See you tomorrow…