We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude. – Cynthia Ozick
Gratitude makes you happy. Research by Dr. Robert Emmons of the University of California at Davis into the psychology of gratitude has shown that people who practice gratitude are 25% happier. They are more optimistic about the future and feel better about their lives.
The energy of gratitude is a powerful force. It can shift your mood and your thoughts from a place of scarcity to a place of abundance and joy. Gratitude is about being in the present moment, and appreciating what’s around you. Gratitude is about choice: you have the power to choose how you view any given situation in your life.
Gratitude is also a practice. Practicing gratitude is a great way to start and end each day. Think about five things you’re grateful for before you get out of bed each morning, and again before you go to sleep each night. Do this for a few days and you will notice how the shift in your energy will transform your life.
My five for today are:
1. Allegra
2. Ruby
3. A lovely breeze coming in through the open window.
4. That first cup of fresh brewed coffee in the morning.
5. Good health – my own, as well as Allegra’s and Ruby’s.
What five things are you grateful for today?
You may also enjoy reading:
Sunday Purrs: Creating Balance
Five habits to expand your thinking
Thank you for reminding me this great truth, Ingrid! I have done this practice in the past and it really changes your perspective, it’s wonderful!
Today I am grateful for:
1. This post that made me think about the good things I have in my life and about the idea of starting with this practice again.
2. My sweet little nephew whom I visited today: he was born at 7 months only, now he’s at home with his parents at last, and he is healthy and such a beautiful baby boy!
3. My sweet Zoe… and my mom’s kitties too, of course.
4. My parents who are still in good health.
5. Having a best friend such as my cousin Sylvia in my life.
I like the idea of practising daily. My gratitude excercise today… goes to:
1. This post that made me think about what is good in life. Purrrfect timing.
2. Health and joy.
3. An adorable kitten that joined our troupe last Friday.
4. The rest of the members of the troupe (two cats and a guy) that I have the luck to share my life with.
5. A family that has loved me without borders, starting with my wonderful 90 years old mom.
What a wonderful list, Maru – I’m grateful that my post is part of it! And congrats on the new kitten!
I love it!
My five gratitudes today?
1. Health of my family (mother, father, brother, daughter, dog and five cats Jimi)
2. My life
3. The sun shining in the cold
4. My friends (it involves you)
5. Everything I’ve achieved today.
A great sunday and big hugs!
I’m honored to be a part of your list, Marilia – obrigada! (Is that correct?)
Super correct!!!! =))))
If I were to list the parts of my life I am grateful for I would say there are so many areas of life to be grateful for that 5 seems to be so minimal. But here goes:
1. Grateful to wake up each morning.
2. Grateful for the life I have had with my husband.
3. Grateful that my children and grandchildren are all healthy.
4. Grateful for the friends that stand by me thru good and bad.
5. Last but certainly not least, I am so very grateful to have Steeler come into my life just at the
period of my life when things were so bleak. I am still in awe and so grateful that she is here
every day, even if she wakes me up all hours of the night.
Thanks for sharing your list, Bernie. Five doesn’t seem like a lot, but when you get into a routine gratitude practice, five once or twice a day add up!
I’m grateful for your kind support for Cat Wisdom 101. The idea of embracing a gratitude attitude came to me after reading Sarah Ban Breathnach’s Simple Abundance in 1996. That book with it’s concept of writing five things in a gratitude journal every day resulted in many copycat books including one from The Secret franchise. There’s no secret: Having gratitude is about having everyday awareness for the simple joys around you. Noticing and acknowledging results in living more fully and joyfully. Joy is our birthright. It’s that simple.
My pleasure, Layla – your beautiful photos are such a wonderful addition to my blog! I read Sarah Ben Breathnach’s book when it first came out, and it was definitely a life changing book. Thanks for the reminder, I think I may dig it out again!
I loved that book too. This is the second time I have heard it mentioned this week! I am going to revisit it as well!
Thanks for the opportunity to reflect. In this moment I am thankful for:
1. A cozy Sunday cuddle with Frankie, Jasper, and Daisy.
2. Close relationships with my daughter and son.
3. Having fun times with my grand children.
4. Having work that I love.
5. The generosity and support of the Mystery that holds us.
Wht a great list, Candace – thanks for sharing. I particularly love the last one.
This was a wonderful post and so important and true! I learned a number of years back that one of the most important things we can all do (numerous) times, on a daily basis is to say “Thank you God” I do…numerous times throughout the day.
What 5 things am I grateful for today? There are so many more than 5…
1) My furbabies Cody and Dakota
2) My patient husband (notice how he came AFTER the pets? lol)
3) Weight Watcher’s which has enabled me to FINALLY look “normal” and enabled me to lose 41 lbs so far!
4) a close and wonderful family that I inherited from my husband, (and of course my own brother and his wife)
5) Wonderful friends!
Thanks for sharing your list, Caren. I wasn’t surprised at all that your husband comes after Cody and Dakota :-). Congratulations on your weight loss, that’s awesome!