Dare to live without limits Week of 5/18/20

By: 
Bryan Golden

An attitude of gratitude can fuel your optimism

Being thankful for all of the blessings in your life creates an attitude of gratitude. Appreciating all you have which is good, creates an optimistic attitude. Focusing on these elements gives you a feeling of abundance. Every positive aspect, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, is worthy of appreciation.
People who focus on all that they have, feel as if they have more than they need. Those who fixate on what they think is lacking, continually believe they don’t have enough. How you utilize what you have is important. Fixating on what you don’t have is pointless. The manner in which you view the world around you determines your reality.
There’s a tendency to allow problems to distract you from appreciating what you have. Don’t fall into this trap. Whenever you find yourself in this mode, reorient your thoughts to gratitude.
Maintaining an attitude of gratitude enhances your well-being. Those who are filled with gratitude enjoy benefits such as visiting the doctor less, experiencing less pain, having lower blood pressure, and enjoying better emotional health.
An attitude of gratitude mindset is solution oriented. Grateful people don’t waste energy complaining, instead they find ways to overcome problems. They know that within each problem lies opportunities. A thankful mindset provides you with an upbeat perspective, which enhances so many aspects of life.
To enhance your attitude of gratitude, show your gratitude for people you connect with. Express your appreciation for others by always using “please” and “thank you” in your interactions. Treat all people with courtesy, consideration, and respect. An attitude of gratitude extends to what others contribute, regardless of how small it is. No one is insignificant.
With an attitude of gratitude, every day is Thanksgiving. If you are having an off day, running through a list of all you have to be thankful for boosts your positivity. This technique helps you feel better.
Pay attention to the details of each day. The weather, the sun, the rain, pleasant people you encounter, a book you are reading, a meal you enjoyed, the taste of your coffee, your favorite TV show, something new you’ve learned, or a funny joke you remembered are all noteworthy.
When you are upset or angry, focusing on what you have to be thankful for calms you down. The less time you spend agitated, the better. Anger distorts your perspective. Your ability to reason is diminished. It’s virtually impossible to make sound decisions when upset.
Don’t harbor guilt. Guilt displaces happiness. It’s difficult appreciating what you have when you feel guilty about something. Mistakes are part of living. Be thankful that you can learn from your mistakes so they are not repeated.
Your attitude of gratitude is based on your situation. It does not involve comparisons to anyone else. There will always be those who have more, as well as those who have less. You should never be jealous, nor should you gloat.
Gratitude must be practiced daily so that it’s not displaced by negativity. You are surrounded by many negative influences; both people and circumstances. A solid attitude of gratitude protects you from becoming consumed by negativity.
Continuously monitor your emotions. If you find yourself feeling negative, bummed out, or frustrated, examine your thoughts. Chances are you have been thinking about what’s wrong instead of what is right.
When this happens, you can immediately switch to an attitude of gratitude. Your emotional improvement will be immediate. Thinking about what’s good in your life enhances your emotional state and attracts more of what you want and need.

NOW AVAILABLE: "Dare to Live Without Limits," the book. Visit www.BryanGolden.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. E-mail Bryan at bryan@columnist.com or write him c/o this paper.  2020 Bryan Golden

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