Be Grateful or Perish! How Gratitude Saved Me From Drowning

Gratitude is power they say. Gratitude will make a simple meal into a fabulous Christmas dinner. I’m hearing a lot about gratitude these days. Everything I hear is all true. A grateful soul is a noble soul. The power of gratitude is so simple. When we can be grateful, even in the worst of times, we’ve learned one of life’s most important lessons.

Yet, the problem with the gratitude gurus, is that they never tell you exactly how to have continual gratitude. It’s not easy to be grateful for the worst that has happened to you. It’s not easy at all. A mind that is well versed in counting up all life’s troubles has formed bad habits. Such bad habits are difficult to break. If we soak up the hype of the gratitude teachers we are left with a nice message, but no concrete tools.

The message is powerful but the how of it is wanting. How on earth can one be grateful all the time. What is the magic technique? What is the tool that will infuse us with gratitude for even the worst of times?

I found the simple answer to this question. I would never just tell someone to be grateful and leave it at that. First I would give an explanation of how gratitude brings us grace and power for living. But part two of the message would most definitely give one simple tool. I have one simple tool that I use everyday besides prayer. It save me from drowning in a sea of dispair and depression.

In order to appreciate all things at all times, I need pen and paper. In order to be grateful always, and have an under-gird of gratitude at all times, I suggest pen and paper for you.

How so? How will pen and paper engrave an attitude of gratitude on your soul? That’s an easy question. Here is my answer:

1. Part one of the answer is Phil. 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think on these things.

2. Part two of the answer is to get your pen and paper and write your gratitude list. It’s really just that simple. In fact gratitude is the only key to happiness. If you can find the good in your life daily and write it down, you’ve won yourself total joy. I can’t express this point enough.

Why should you write it all down? You should write down what you are grateful for because negative thoughts are difficult to tame. Writing is a way to focus your mind and shut off negative inner chatter. The best way to think on the positive aspect of your life is to write. Journal it out everyday, do nothing more.

How do I know this? I know that journal writing and gratitude listing daily works, because the practice helped me heal from clinical depression.

Here’s an example of my 100 things I’m grateful to God for list:

1. I’m grateful to God for my breath

2. I’m grateful and thankful because I woke up this morning

3. I feel deep gratitude because I have good friends

4. I’m thankful for the word of God

5. I’m grateful for the Christmas season and remembering the birth of Christ

6. I’m thankful that all the world seems to be rejoicing at this time

7. I feel deep gratitude for all the children in my life. They bring me joy

8. I’m so thankful to God for gifting me with a son

9. I’m thankful for the opportunities I have to help others

10. I’m grateful because the sun has not fallen out of the sky

11. I’m thankful for the food on my table

12. I’m grateful for all my dear neighbors

13. I’m thankful that the world has not ended

14. I’m grateful to God because he loves us all

15. I feel a deep gratitude because the sun shines on the good and evil alike

16. I feel thankful to have even one person read this article

My friends, do you see what I mean and what I’m getting at? You can have the power of gratitude work in your life. You can focus your mind on good things. You can fell peace and contentment with this type of writing exercise. Journal yourself grateful. It’s a simple as writing a list like the one above daily.

What your mind focuses on is what will increase for you…