Gratitude. One of the things I struggled with mastering, with doing on a consistent basis. It should be something as natural as breathing, and for some, I’m sure it is. For me, it had to be learned and consciously focused on until it became a habit, an addiction. Of all the things a person could potentially be addicted to, gratitude would be one fine addiction!
So for those of you focused on creating personal wealth, gratitude plays a vital role. But it requires the right approach.
When most people think about gratitude-about expressing gratitude-they often express it on things that are happening in their lives right now: what we have, who we have in our lives, our friends and family, our health and so forth. In this instance, gratitude and appreciation go hand-in-hand: something a lot of us learned when we were growing up (to say thanks, to be thankful, etc). Often, our gratitude begins and ends here.
This is good, but it isn’t the most powerful form of gratitude you could undertake. This form of gratitude is extremely week because it is based on the present circumstances. In other words, this form of gratitude is conditional. It makes it sound that you are grateful “only if you have good health, a great relationship, etc.”
The more powerful form of gratitude acknowledges – celebrates – your life, your entire life, – past, present, and future. Gratitude in this form is more an emotional state of being vs. a focus on any one thing. Gratitude for things in and around your life; for things outside of yourself; for the challenges and the successes – for all of your experiences. Everything.
This form of gratitude causes you to celebrate the wealth of your journey through life and not merely the destinations. From this perspective, there is no lack, there are no limits, no permanent failings; only experiences. Experiences that enriches your life, utterly and completely.
“Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity…it makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” Melody Beattie
How much more wealth might you suddenly see, how much richer are you because of it? What decisions can you now make? What contributions can you see yourself making in the world? What new goals are now within your reach? How excited are you about the possibilities you now see for your life? How interesting does your future now look to you? Inquiring minds would love to know.
For those of you looking to light your life on fire and looking for an action you can take right now, we suggest you check out: Gratitude Revealed – there, you’ll find resources that will set you on your gratitude journey. In the meantime, here’s a video that we found really inspiring. Enjoy.