Learning to be thankful leads to a joy.
Recently I had the opportunity to attend a day-log session at The Cove in Asheville, North Carolina with Author Stormie Omartian. Hearing Stormie and her testimony was truly spellbinding. As a gift to all attendees The Cove gave everyone the book, “Choosing Gratitude, Your Journey to Joy” by Nancy Leigh DeMoss.
To summarize, the book emphasizes the importance of keeping an attitude of thankfulness in our hearts no matter what we are facing. DeMoss, a Christian author, asks the question: “Are you more prone to focus on what you wish you had (or didn’t have) or on the blessings you do have that are far greater than you deserve?”
For several months at the beginning of 2014 I wrote down something each day that I was thankful for about my husband, Danny. Then I shared it with him each morning. You would be amazed how that one act of kindness and gratitude lifts the spirits of your spouse. I highly recommend it to all married persons.
At this season of Thanksgiving I would challenge you to write down 10 things you are grateful for TODAY and share them with your loved ones as you’re passing the pumpkin pie! As for me, I’m grateful to you for faithfully reading this blog and commenting throughout the year. Furthermore, I’m extremely grateful to my clients and referral sources for providing me with work for over five years.
What’s something you are grateful for this Thanksgiving?
12 Comments
That is such a great idea of sharing your gratitude with your husband. I will file that for when I fall in love. In the mean time I’ll do it with my family. Thanks, Mel!!!
Thanks Jessica and yes it certainly would work with any family member!
Thanks for sharing your insights from this book. I LOVE gratitude! I strongly believe gratitude is the foundation for living a life filled with passion, peace and joy. It is so important to integrate gratitude in our daily lives. I love the practice you did with your hubby. I’ll have to remember that when I’m in a relationship:-) We have a tradition in our household of going around and saying what we are thankful for when we are around the table. Love it!
Dr. Tandy, I think that practice at the Thanksgiving table is a wonderful one! And yes, I hope you will remember the positive daily affirmations for spouse/loved one!
An attitude of gratitude is certainly a great way to be and a state to create not just at thanksgiving but all year round. Looks like a great book!
Heidi it is a great book and I highly recommend it.
Gratitude! SO POWERFUL!! I love going around the table at Thanksgiving and sharing things for which we are thankful. I am so over-brimming this year, and one thing I am particularly thankful for is living a life based around singing and music! Never too late to follow a dream! XOXO, Katherine
Katherine, I think it’s wonderful that you are blessed by singing and music!
In all the many years I’ve started my day with meditation I’ve included a gratefulness list and sometimes a meditation about gratefulness, as well. I honestly think it helps create what I call the “ground of being” or the ground from which one deals with everything. It calls us to a higher mindset.
Sue I completely agree that beginning one’s day in a spirit of gratefulness sets the tone for the rest of the day!
Thanks for a lovely uplifting article! I love your hubby gratitude tip and will check out that book for sure. Gratitude is so important!
Trudy it really makes a difference with your spouse. Let’s all be kind to the ones we love!