I know that Thanksgiving has come and gone and I’m sure most of you took some time to be thankful for family, friends, great food, and great drink – After all, isn’t that what the holidays are all about? I feel like these are the default gratitude choices near the Holidays. They are top of mind and they’re pretty great so it’s easy to be thankful.
When I was going through my gratitude list this year I wanted to take the time to think deeper and be thankful for more than what was in front of me. So I began looking up different quotes and tried to look at being grateful through the heart and mind of who said it.
I found it invaluable to go beyond the obvious and dig a little deeper using the wisdom of those that believed being grateful is one of the most important things you can be.
“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.” Marcus Tullius Cicero
What more needs to be said? You begin with gratitude and all other parts of your life can begin to fall into place.
“This is a wonderful day. I’ve never seen this one before.” Maya Angelou
What a great reminder to try and look at things as if we have never seen them before. Think about when a child tastes chocolate for the first time and lights up because it tastes so good. That is exactly what we should be trying to do each day. We should try to get back to that place and remember there are little miracles around us every single day.
“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.” Epictetus
A basic tenant of gratitude is being thankful for what you have which means you no longer focus on what you don’t. It is a simple concept but it allows you be content, happier with yourself, and everyone around you.
“When you are grateful fear disappears and abundance appears.” Tony Robbins
I absolutely love this quote. It’s been said that you cannot be grateful and fearful at the same time and from my experience that is 100% true. When you’re worried about something start writing down what you’re thankful for and I guarantee that the worries fade away.
“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
There are two parts of this quote that are great. The idea that being thankful once a year is not enough and part of the reason I’m writing this. We must develop a habit of being grateful consistently each day.
The second is paying attention to “all things” and being thankful for them. You will experience trials and tribulations throughout your life but if it wasn’t for those particular setbacks you would not be the person you are today. So be thankful for all things.
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