Gratitude Opens Your Heart

Is Your Glass Half Full Or Half Empty?

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity.... It turns problems into gifts, failures into success, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

This was written by Melody Beattie, whose books on overcoming co-dependency, helped inspire the self-help movement of the 80s. Her words, though perhaps directed at a specific audience, could be useful for almost anyone; in fact, they appear to be the cornerstone for building a fuller, more meaningful life. Gratitude just might be the first step toward happiness.

But it isn’t always easy to see those “blessings.” When times are tough, they hide; and we are taught, as a society, to look for bigger, better. “Wish big!” “Want more!” seem to be the mantras of our modern commercial world. Advertiser displays show us all that we are lacking, assure us that we need more, and when that need is met, we are taught that we need more again. Somewhere along the way, we lost appreciation for the little things. In some ways, all of this instant gratification has gotten in the way of our happiness.

Gratitude involves a simple shift in perspective. It is a conscious choice— to begin looking at what blessings are present, rather than what is lacking. Learning to see the lessons in supposed “failures” can help us feel a sense of purpose, and understand that life isn’t perfect for a reason. Especially in a time like this, where many of us are struggling financially, that shift in perspective is needed. Though it may seem difficult at first, it might help to start small. Be thankful for your friends. Your family. A nice day. A good meal. Some recommend keeping a “gratitude journal,” in which you record all the things you are thankful for daily.

Learning the attitude of gratitude can and will shift your perspective on life—and potentially make you happier, even healthier. All spiritual traditions in their services or ceremonies start with gratitude. We can do likewise in our lives. We can start and end the day in appreciation of at least one thing or person. We can practice turning the negative into positive. Even if it takes a while to see that positive, it’s not beyond our control. We have a choice.

Born and brought up in Scotland, Puja Thomson is founder and director of Roots & Wings in New Paltz. She's a holistic health care professional, educator, workshop leader and minister of healing. You will find more about the healing power of gratitude in her book AFTER SHOCK: FROM CANCER DIAGNOSIS TO HEALING which was awarded FINALIST in the “Best Books” awards and the “National Indie Excellence” awards. Puja's CD (with calming music by Richard Shulman) and Workbook, ROOTS & WINGS FOR STRENGTH AND FREEDOM (Revised 2008). will also help you release old negativity and recognize blessings in disguise so that you can welcome each new day with gratitude. Go to www.rootsnwings.com for info, excerpts, reviews, how to purchase.