Mastering the Art of Being Thankful

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People all around the world often have the tendency to lack appreciation for the many things that they should be thankful. It is quite easy to fall in this mode of thinking considering all the negativity that surrounds us on a daily basis. The truth is, it is easier to see the negative than it is the positive. A person can easily master the art of being thankful if they simply change their perspective on things. Mastering the art of being thankful starts with the individual and then extends outwards to others. If you or someone that you know has fallen into negative thoughts and find it difficult to be thankful for things, the steps in this article should be able to help you. When faced with difficult situations, it is often very hard to try to find something positive in the midst of it all. The truth is, however, that if we wipe away the negative clouds that hang over our heads during these times, we can see more clearly. If you have the ability to see a situation more clearly, chances are that you will find something positive to focus on. I once knew a woman who had a few small children and was having trouble in her life. She recently lost her husband through divorce, and her children seemed to be distant and cold towards everyone and everything. She was at a loss and did not know how to win back the family that she had left. Shortly after losing her husband, she was laid off from her job. Her husband had left her with many bills and it was especially hard to catch up now that she was waiting for her Unemployment Compensation to kick in. In the midst of all of her troubles, she decided to change her outlook on life and saw this as an opportunity for a new start. Once she established that she was going to change her way of thinking, the power company cut off her electricity due to nonpayment. Everyone wanted to help her and the family, but it seemed to be difficult times for all people. After a few days of having her power cut off, I went to visit to see what I could do to help. She answered the door with a smile and invited me in. She and her children were gathered around the kitchen table playing a board game. She explained to me that she would have her power turned back on in a couple of days. She said that she was thankful for losing her job and the electricity because it allowed her and her children to reconnect. It was one of the best times of her life she said. I was very impressed with this and realized then that it truly is all in our minds. If we adjust the way we look at things, things will be more positive. One of my previous Managers used to say, "Perception is reality". If you perceive that, your life is difficult, that you are unlucky, that you have nothing to be thankful for...this will be your reality. However, if you alter your perception to have a different outlook, your life will change. Instead of believing that your life is difficult, just consider the fact that you are facing some challenges and if you face those challenges, you will grow as an individual. If you think that you are unlucky, change your perception to the fact that you do not depend on luck, you depend on action. If you feel that, you have nothing to be thankful for, try imagining someone or something important being taken away from you. Once you imagine this horrible event or situation, count your blessings that it or the person is still a part of your life. You can look around many times and see people that are not fortunate enough to have the simple things that you do in your life. For example, you may drive down the road in the winter season and see a man nestled under some newspaper, sleeping, on a bench on the street in which you are driving. You realize that you are in a warm car, with decent clothing, going to a warm home. Once you get home, you can nestle under thick blankets on a comfortable bed. This is sure to spark some level of appreciation in you. Remember, if you have food and shelter, you are already ahead of millions of people in the world that do not. You should count your blessings for these things, all things, regardless of how small that they may seem. There is always someone out there that does not have even the smallest things that you have. While you are counting your blessings, pray for another to receive a blessing too. Many people set unrealistic goals and expectations for themselves and their lives. Many people are disappointed on a daily basis simply because they focus on things that are beyond their control. If you find that you are unable to control a situation, forget about it and let it be. Only focus on those situations that you are able to control. Not only will this allow you to become a more positive person, you will have a lot more time available to focus on the other things in life that you are thankful for. Above all, make it a point to be thankful and teach others how to master the art of being thankful too. You will be very thankful that you did!