"There are two kinds of gratitude: the sudden kind we feel for what we take; and the larger kind we feel for what we give."

There is often much to complain about. In a world seemingly gone mad, the bitter often stands tall in a forest of the sweet. We seem forever focused on what is wrong with our lives or constantly preoccupied with that which has yet to take place. In doing so, we set ourselves up for living in a constant state of complaining. Complaining about things that haven't gone our way, people that don't behave as we would like them to, and a world that just isn't quite perfect enough to meet our expectations. Our habitual focus on what is wrong blinds us from all that is right.

Negative attitudes can be contagious. In fact, the negativity of only one person can sway the entire mood of a group. One person begins to expound upon all that is wrong and the next thing you know, everyone gets pulled into the negative energy pattern. Before you can say, "slit my wrist" the whoa-is-me syndrome begins to feed upon itself. Suddenly, everyone is fueling the fire because misery truly does love company.

But nothing good ever comes from complaining because a negative attitude never leads or even follows—it only gets in the way. When all is said and done, much has been said but nothing has been done. Negativity can suck the life out of living and kill our dreams before they ever get off the launching pad. But it doesn't have to be that way.

The flip side of complaining is to be grateful for the many blessings that have been bestowed upon us. To graciously acknowledge all that is good and right with our lives. To give thanks for all that has been given to us, rather than fixating on that which we do not yet have.

Living in a state of gratitude quiets the desires of the ego and allows us to enter a state of bliss. We become content with what we have—with just being—and no longer feel the need to acquire more things, more stuff. Rather than striving, we feel as if we have arrived. There is an inner peace, a conscious knowing, that where we are is right where we're suppose to be.

Gratitude leads to a life of service. Because when we begin to give thanks for all that we have, we can begin to give of ourselves to others in a way that we may never have experienced before. This outward expression of love and kindness, can lead us to improve the world around us and ultimately free our souls for a life of contribution. For in many ways, the expression of gratitude is an extension of love and every act of love sets us free.

By giving thanks everyday for the many wonderful things that touch our lives, we set ourselves up to expect only good things from others. By focusing on all that is just and true, it is difficult to get caught up in negativity. This approach can allow us to contribute to the world in a positive way, because rather than simply faking a positive attitude, we are honestly feeding our psyche with the things that we are truly grateful for. And believe me, when you really start to consider all that is right with your life, it is all but impossible to feel anything but positive! A positive attitude begins with abundant gratitude.

The next time you're feeling down and ready to complain about all that is wrong, try this exercise. Rise early in the morning, long before anyone else. Find a comfortable chair, preferably somewhere where you can watch the sunrise. (By the way, how long has it been since you've seen a sunrise? In all its magnificent beauty, a sunrise, more than anything else, symbolizes a fresh start and a new beginning. It's a great way to start the day!)

Simply begin by giving thanks to God for all that you are grateful for. Don't be concerned with how you say it—just say it. Give thanks to anything and everything that comes to mind. Your list might be very different from that of someone else, or remarkably similar in many ways. That being said, here are a few things that I am grateful for. I offer them here as merely a starting point, as you seek your own path to gratitude.

   1) God. As my source of strength and inspiration, the power of God lives within me just as it lives within everything in the universe. In my darkest moments, this power has allowed me to transcend the ways of the world and release my spirit to higher levels of being. I surrender to this power and allow it to fill my life with unconditional love.

   2) Family. Blessed with a child just a few short years ago, I have found a wonderful sense of direction that I never had before. My family continues to teach me the meaning of love-a definition that expands each and every day. I am also grateful for the two people who gave me life-my parents.

   3) Friends. My life is abundant with the gift of friendship. My closest friends are as different and unique as snowflakes. On any given weekend, we break bread and enjoy each other's company as we share our unique experience of this thing called life. I am grateful for the good times we share and I pray I never take them for granted.

   4) Health. Be grateful if you are blessed with good health. Consider it a gift and think of ways you can help those less fortunate. Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and we can do the same in our own lives. Pay close attention to those who are sick and reach out and help them in your own unique way. Be a servant to those in need.

The funny thing about gratitude is that the more you give the more you get. What we think about expands and so it is that as you rise each morning to give thanks for all that is right in your life, your list of all that you are grateful for will continue to grow and grow. I pray that you will use this new found sense of well being to create a greater sense of purpose. By working to improve your life and the lives of those around you, you will ultimately create, in your own small way, a better world. And that is something we will all be grateful for.

Some Things To Consider

What are you grateful for in your life? List the people, places and things that bring you joy. Send them love through meditation and prayer. Begin each day by giving thanks for these blessings and add to the list as time goes on.

All Rights Reserved © 2002 By Jeffrey Alan Hall