Did it change? Suppose it is, as it is less of a reaction, as you, dear Don Jones, already mentioned, and in the same time, there is more often a state of being grateful, no matter what. It is more of an awareness of the great gift of life, of the wonder of all which is, and that there is anything at all, as the recent quote of Br. David brought to our awareness again. Thank you for this question, wishing a lovely day to all.
In the past I tried to think of the bright side of things or the glass being half full but then before I found this site I became overwhelmed with what was going on with my daughter. I couldn’t find much relief or peace in the circumstances. I read this recently and believe it is so true.
“Because us humans are blessed with an negativity bias, we need to practice noticing the good stuff, the nourishing, the bit that didn’t go wrong, the smile, the surprise blessing, the change in state, the moment of relief or glimmer of joy or peace. “. Practicing gratefulness helps me tremendously and I am so glad I found this site!
Gratitude to me used to be more about things in the moment; a gift, a card, a compliment. Now it is about how to live my best life daily; care about others, be thankful for my friendships and family, and my good health. Helping others always makes me feel grateful.
For me, gratitude was very one
dimensional, and I thought of it
more as something you had
occasionally. For the big stuff.
Now, I think of it as a practice. Like
anything else that requires some
discipline, effort, and time.
And mainly, I see how it applies to
even the smallest things. This breath.
This moment.
How has my interpretation of gratitude changed through the years? I don’t know that I thought much about the power of gratitude when I was young. I was raised in an atmosphere that accented the negative. The glass was always half empty instead of half full. I felt empty instead of being willing to empty myself and live more fully. An attitude of gratitude has been the key for me. It has opened my eyes and my heart. It has made me mindful instead of mind-filled.
I don’t think I thought about it much. My parents were dutiful in having me say please and thank you and write cards to my givers. It was routine and sometimes forced.
Now, that expression in heartfelt and genuine. Happenings are not taken forgranted and I appreciate more all the behind the scene work.
I’m reminded of how, many years ago, my older sister told me how much she disliked it when people prompted their children with “What do you say?”. She never used that with her own children; instead she said, “Mind your manners.” That made it less about the form and more about the underlying purpose. I did that with my own children. I don’t know if it made a difference for any of them in how they understood the actions involved. As children we learn to do things without always understanding why until we get older.
Gratitude has become more teal for me…it has become a part of who I am. I certainly am far from perfect, I have many flaws…..but I am thankful for all that I am. This site has given me great perspective…and such wisdom every day. I treasure each and every day and all that it brings.
It is so affirming to hear how individuals are viewing life from the perspective of gratefulness. You are influencing the energetic systems near and far.🌺
Seeing’s how I have only been living my life with the notion of gratitude since April 2022 when a fellow by the name of Bryan Handwork, a MD that was doing my intake for intensive outpatient therapy, sent me an article titled “Gratitude: How To Change Negative Beliefs, Be Happy. And Become Successful” I do not feel my interpretation has changed. My interpretation is still in the understanding state. I try to focus not on my circumstances but on my capabilities. Life is hard. It is not perfect. There are constraints. But most of those constraints are in my head. “I am an old man and have known a great many troubles. most of which never happened.” Attributed to Mark Twain. If I live in the gain not the gap, I envision through the troubles to calm and peace.
I have seen the effects of practicing gratitude and how life unfolds so much smoother when we are grateful. So its not just a momentary thank you, but a way of living that aids the process.
I used to think gratitude was a quiet introspective activity/experience. In the past three or four years I’ve realized the value of sharing the gratitude verbally or in writing. Gratitude used to be a personal experience, now it is a shared experience. Gratitude shared widens my circle.
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Did it change? Suppose it is, as it is less of a reaction, as you, dear Don Jones, already mentioned, and in the same time, there is more often a state of being grateful, no matter what. It is more of an awareness of the great gift of life, of the wonder of all which is, and that there is anything at all, as the recent quote of Br. David brought to our awareness again. Thank you for this question, wishing a lovely day to all.
In the past I tried to think of the bright side of things or the glass being half full but then before I found this site I became overwhelmed with what was going on with my daughter. I couldn’t find much relief or peace in the circumstances. I read this recently and believe it is so true.
“Because us humans are blessed with an negativity bias, we need to practice noticing the good stuff, the nourishing, the bit that didn’t go wrong, the smile, the surprise blessing, the change in state, the moment of relief or glimmer of joy or peace. “. Practicing gratefulness helps me tremendously and I am so glad I found this site!
It’s something I try to pay more attention to than I did in the past.
Gratitude to me used to be more about things in the moment; a gift, a card, a compliment. Now it is about how to live my best life daily; care about others, be thankful for my friendships and family, and my good health. Helping others always makes me feel grateful.
For me, gratitude was very one
dimensional, and I thought of it
more as something you had
occasionally. For the big stuff.
Now, I think of it as a practice. Like
anything else that requires some
discipline, effort, and time.
And mainly, I see how it applies to
even the smallest things. This breath.
This moment.
It has grown wider, deeper, and richer.
How has my interpretation of gratitude changed through the years? I don’t know that I thought much about the power of gratitude when I was young. I was raised in an atmosphere that accented the negative. The glass was always half empty instead of half full. I felt empty instead of being willing to empty myself and live more fully. An attitude of gratitude has been the key for me. It has opened my eyes and my heart. It has made me mindful instead of mind-filled.
I don’t think I thought about it much. My parents were dutiful in having me say please and thank you and write cards to my givers. It was routine and sometimes forced.
Now, that expression in heartfelt and genuine. Happenings are not taken forgranted and I appreciate more all the behind the scene work.
I’m reminded of how, many years ago, my older sister told me how much she disliked it when people prompted their children with “What do you say?”. She never used that with her own children; instead she said, “Mind your manners.” That made it less about the form and more about the underlying purpose. I did that with my own children. I don’t know if it made a difference for any of them in how they understood the actions involved. As children we learn to do things without always understanding why until we get older.
Gratitude has become more teal for me…it has become a part of who I am. I certainly am far from perfect, I have many flaws…..but I am thankful for all that I am. This site has given me great perspective…and such wisdom every day. I treasure each and every day and all that it brings.
It is so affirming to hear how individuals are viewing life from the perspective of gratefulness. You are influencing the energetic systems near and far.🌺
It has grown more deeper and personal over the years – especially after finding and participating daily on this website.
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads today:)
Seeing’s how I have only been living my life with the notion of gratitude since April 2022 when a fellow by the name of Bryan Handwork, a MD that was doing my intake for intensive outpatient therapy, sent me an article titled “Gratitude: How To Change Negative Beliefs, Be Happy. And Become Successful” I do not feel my interpretation has changed. My interpretation is still in the understanding state. I try to focus not on my circumstances but on my capabilities. Life is hard. It is not perfect. There are constraints. But most of those constraints are in my head. “I am an old man and have known a great many troubles. most of which never happened.” Attributed to Mark Twain. If I live in the gain not the gap, I envision through the troubles to calm and peace.
“I try to focus not on my circumstances but on my capabilities.” – this and the quote Carol mentioned below…. Such a helpful perspective. Thank you 🙏
“If I live in the gain not the gap, I envision through the troubles to calm and peace.” Beautifully said.
Your responses are filled with wisdom. Thank you for your continued/consistent contribution.
I have seen the effects of practicing gratitude and how life unfolds so much smoother when we are grateful. So its not just a momentary thank you, but a way of living that aids the process.
The older I get the deeper my sense of gratitude is for the gift of days, for life, and all that unfolds within each and every hour.
So true…I can relate.
I used to think gratitude was a quiet introspective activity/experience. In the past three or four years I’ve realized the value of sharing the gratitude verbally or in writing. Gratitude used to be a personal experience, now it is a shared experience. Gratitude shared widens my circle.