It’s pretty well understood by now that practicing gratitude is the #1 way to living a happier, more peaceful, contentful life. It can keep our moods elevated, and it may even help us act warmer towards others, which can help us boost our charisma.
Gratitude is, like many things, a habit we build when creating a conscious lifestyle. And I have found that there is a good way to do it, and a better way.
In All Things, Be Thankful
When we heard about reminders to be grateful, it’s typically a way of not taking for granted the things we already have. It’s a way to identify and then magnify the positive things in our lives.
There are limitless things to be thankful for.
- Perhaps you’re thankful for your vehicle that allows you the freedom to go to and from work.
- Or your family. Ol
- Or your health.
- Or the food in your pantry.
But have you ever considered being thankful for those things you also complain about?
- Your boss is on your case every day.
- Your family is causing you grief.
- You’ve got a cold that’s been lingering for weeks.
- Or you used up your last loaf of bread.
There’s an art to being thankful for those things that cause us pain in our lives. And I’d venture to say it’s easier to identify those things than it is to find ones that bring us joy.
Thankful for First World Problems
The next time you find yourself going on about the latest pain point in your life, simply turn it around by recognizing what it is you’re complaining about and preceding it with the words “I’m grateful for…”. It really puts into perspective that not everyone gets to complain about the things you do. Your pain point is a privilege, not a duty.
Everything is an Opportunity
In other words, it’s been said before that by rephrasing from “I have to” to “I get to”, you become more excited about whatever comes your way. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn, grow, and evolve into the next version of your highest self. This is the ethos behind embracing Kairos.
Personally, in the past when I’ve had a boss I hated, and I’d vent on and on about them to my coworkers, I’d always end my rants saying “I’m grateful to have a boss to complain about.” Implicitly, it reminds me that there are many unemployed folks out there who don’t get the chance to have a boss to write the blues about.
Or in another example, if you have to go out of your way to run to the store for more high priced groceries, you can always find a way to silver lining. Something like “I’m grateful to have a car to take me to the grocery store. I’m so thankful to have a grocery store to complain about.” Many live in food deserts and don’t get the opportunity to make routine visits to the grocer. It really puts your pain into perspective.
A Step Into God Consciousness
Perhaps if you make this habit second nature, you’ll even find that things don’t bother you anymore. You live in more peace, more gratitude. You may find your mood is consistently elevated, and you go with the flow.
This is one of the first movements into a state of Christ-consciousness. You transition from doing, to being. You live in a mind state where there is no good or bad, pleasure or pain. Everything just simply is. Maybe you even find it easier to bless, forgive, and love your enemies. Whether they’re the circumstances in your life, or the people causing them.
How will you practice gratitude today?
