Happy Thursday Divas! I hope you’ve had a fantastic week! It’s my favorite day – time to stop and reflect on the positives in our lives.
Gratitude comes from how you look at the things you encounter on a daily basis. It is a natural feeling that comes from truly appreciating the people and things in your life. However, you can easily miss what is right in front of you.
First, you have to embrace that old cliché and stop and smell the roses. You can’t be thankful for something you don’t notice or enjoy. Roses really do smell great, by the way.
Then, you need to make this appreciative approach to roses and life a habit. I’m not suggesting you ignore the ugliness in the world, but you have to habitually see the beauty.
Start writing down every positive thing that happens to you, and all the things you like. Do this until you start automatically seeing the good things in life. If you’ve ever bought a red car, and started seeing red cars all over, you know how awareness can alter your perception of reality. To see wonderful things all over, train yourself to look for them.
As you get into this habit gratitude it is only natural that you will begin to experience a much richer and enjoyable life.
Each Thursday on Divas With A Purpose, we pause to reflect on what we’re thankful for. Gratitude is a huge part of my life. A few years ago I made a conscious decision to reflect more on what I had versus what I did not have – since then I’ve seen a considerable positive change in my attitude and demeanor even in stressful situations. I encourage my supporters to take a moment to think about what they have to be thankful for. Feel free to share below in the comments – you never know how you’ll inspire and motivate someone else.
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Chelsea Klassen says
I love the idea of writing down the positive things. We live in such a depressed culture that takes so much for granted! I am thankful for the country I live in, the freedoms we have, and the blessings we recieve with every smile from our children
Amanda McMahon says
You make a valid plan … writing down positive things can help us realize how lucky we are.
Megan Chamberlin says
Excellent reminders – we all need to pause more in our hectic schedules to be grateful for all we have. 🙂
aryia74 says
I am thankful for good health and that we are all healthy and happy. Thankful that we have a roof over our heads.
Joi @ Rx Fitness Lady says
I love the exercise of jotting down 3 things a day. I started that at the beginning of 2013 and kinda just fell off. It was quite rewarding. I just need a method to remember to do it.
Amanda Love says
That is such a good idea, writing down all the positives. There is so much to be thankful for, life, health and my family. Thanks for the post.
Teresa Mccluskey says
I am thankful for so many things and so many people! My daughters and husband are my inspiration!
Ashley Gill says
I needed this post today. My daughter is so excited to make these rainbow loom bracelets but demands that i help her. I keep putting it off, but I should be thankful that she wants my attention and that I have her. thank you.
Pam says
I try to be mindful every day of the good things in my life and appreciate everyone that I love. Thanks for the reminder because sometimes you need one.
Joanna Sormunen says
I think we all need to stop from time to time and take time to be thankful. There is so much good in our lives and remembering the goodness brings happiness.
Sarah says
You really have me thinking now – sometimes I seem to live life in fastforward and in the process miss so much and forget to be thankful for even more. x
Aisha Kristine Chong says
Yes, we have to be thankful even with the smallest things – sometimes, it’s also being thankful of your own body and health – your surroundings and not just with the things that happens.
KalleyC says
I think it’s so true, you can’t be thankful for something that you don’t notice! I love the red car analogy–I realized that I didn’t start noticing compact cars until I had one myself. I am thankful for everyday. Good or bad, I will rejoice because God has made today 🙂
Elise says
Gratitude really does make a huge difference in a persons level of contentment. Thanks for the great reminder!
Ana @MommysBundle says
So true that you can’t really give thanks until you stop and smell the roses to appreciate all the good around you. Gratitude breeds more gratitude!!
Jennifer Williams says
Perfect timing. Today my little one asked me if we could have a picnic lunch on the living room floor in a tent of blankets with lots of great books to read. I stopped and sent my husband a text to thank him for working so hard so I can have these moments.
Lawna says
I am thankful for my wonderful husband and children and that our entire family is healthy and blessed.
becca112971be says
being thankful for the small things are just as important as being grateful for the big things
Nicole- Pretty Opinionated says
Love it. I make it a point to think about the smaller things in life that bring me joy as often as possible. I think when you’re thankful for a great cup of coffee, a warm day in the middle of winter, etc, it goes a long way to banishing the blues.
Kristin Sumner says
I see the positive things in everything, it’s easy for me to do because it’s in my nature to do so. I feel bad for those who can’t or won’t see the good things in life b/c all they see are the negatives.
Pam W says
It’s so important to focus on the positive things in life, especially when it seems like everything is going wrong!
Tiffany says
I love this! I think that if more people focused on the good things in their life, rather than the bad, we’d be much happier. This is an excellent thing to implement in your daily life. Looking forward to connecting with you during the Biannual Blogathon Bash this month. 🙂
SixFeetUnderBlog says
Im thankful for the inspiration to continue blogging!
kristentoneycampbell says
Fantastic post! Gratitude is SO important – we are all blessed with so many wonderful things in this life! Thanks for reminding us!
cafemochareflections says
I am grateful for exactly where I am now, my family, I’m so thankful that when things trouble me, I can take it to God and leave it with him. It has taken me a long time to let go.
Liz (@blueviolet) says
I totally believe this, and I also feel like I can twist something I’m feeling negative about into a positive if I try. 🙂
Rachée Fagg (@sayitrahshay) says
A Facebook friend is posting daily gratitude and I have been enjoying reading them. I love this idea of stopping to smell the roses and appreciate where and what you have. I am going to have to join up with you and share my happy thoughts.
Chubskulit Rose says
Your positive attitude is very infectious. You are right, being thankful for what we have is very important.
Rose A (@mail4rosey) says
Writing down good things that happen is such a nice thing!
Theresa says
My daughters start a thankful/happy/positive jar each January. Every time they find themselves in one of those categories, they write it down and put it in the jar. Then go back throughout the year rereading them to remember all the things that made them feel that way.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I am thankful for so much, I don’t even know where to begin. My kids, My health. Their health…..I could go on and on.