“For what you see and hear depends a good deal on where you are standing: it also depends on what sort of person you are.”
– C. S. Lewis “The Magicians Nephew”
I started off my day tired and grumpy. I decided to write a list of about 20 things I was grateful for.
I do this often, but I was reminded once again why it is so helpful. It completely changed the course of my day.
I found myself declaring that breakfast was extra delicious! And, I was sure the birds were chirping with more vigor than usual!
Jude skipped his nap and yet I found myself still thankful.
I didn’t let the napless day phase me. Not like I normally would. And the funny thing was, he wasn’t phased by it either, which I found interesting. Was it my attitude of gratefulness that affected him so positively?
I’ve heard that changing your perspective can change your life. I just never believed it would work for me.
Over the past 9 months, however, I have become a believer.
What perspective does
When I change my perspective and I focus on what I am thankful for, I feel happy. I feel blessed. I view the world differently. I view people differently.
I smile more and laugh easily. I talk to people readily. I become overwhelmingly thankful for things like toothbrushes, and raspberries, and the freedom to write on this blog.
I don’t worry like I used to. Worry, is a waste of time and I want to relish all the time I have.
What I’m grateful for
I tear up at the opportunity Michael and I have had to start our own business. And that our business is doing great! We did it! We are self employed. How cool is that!?
I can have as many children as I want, I wash my clothes in a washer and dryer! Oh, and we don’t live in a mud hut! I live in a house with wood floors and stairs.
I also see things I never noticed before. I see opportunities now. I have had more opportunities than I ever have!
Andy Andrews, in his book The Noticer, explains it this way.
Opportunities and encouragement come from other people. When we are happy and enthusiastic, other people enjoy being around us. We then get more opportunities and encouragement because other people want to be and like being around us.
A life filled with opportunities and encouragement finds more opportunities and encouragement and success becomes inevitable.
If we are negative, complaining, and disagreeable, other people stay away and we receive fewer opportunities and encouragement because no one wants to be around us.
I think, that right there, is reason enough to become a thankful person. What say you?
Question: Have you ever written a list of things you are grateful for on a consistent basis? Try it. But watch out, it might just change your life!