Dec 11
22
“Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.” ~ Brian Tracy
Gratitude is simple and yet it’s also complex.
It’s simplicity is that to have gratitude doesn’t require a course, a spreadsheet or any complex step by step action checklist.
To have gratitude all you do is acknowledge something in your life that you are thankful for.
Despite it’s simplicity, gratitude is powerful.
Years and years ago I was going through a tough time in my life. Dave and I had split up, my mortgage payment had bounced for a second month in a row, I had just started a new job for less money than I had made before I went off and did an MBA. My new job was a commissioned sales job and I wasn’t making any sales. I wasn’t sleeping at night. As if that wasn’t enough stress and torture I smashed my car into a post in the parkade of my condo. Everywhere I turned something horrible was happening.
Three of my friends decided to take me to lunch at a really fancy place where celebrities are always seen in Toronto. They said that something to be thankful for would make me feel better.
None of them had a ton of money so I felt kind of guilty that they would spend a hefty chunk of money on me just to get me out of a funk, but we had a fantastic lunch (one we still talk about today and that was 8 or 9 years ago now).
And they were right. Something to be thankful for was what I needed. I felt grateful to have friends like them.
That tiny thought of gratitude was like someone waving a magic wand over me.
Suddenly I started to see other things I was grateful for. I had some problems but I had a lot going for me too. I got things sorted out at the bank. My credit took a hit from it and I wasn’t in great financial shape at the time, but I was able to pay my bills and get back on my feet after only a few short months.
The job took a little more effort but I started to focus on how grateful I was to have a job. It wasn’t my ideal job and I was struggling to succeed in the box I was in but there was a lot of value I could bring to the company. I shifted my mindset to becoming the most valued employee at the company instead of worrying about all the things I wasn’t able to do. Magic began to happen. I was promoted to manager about six months later and then VP within 2 years of that lunch.
Gratitude can turn the tides for you. When everything is going wrong and nothing seems easy or fun, gratitude for the things that ARE good (and there are ALWAYS good things) can shift the energy around you so that you have more good and less challenging.
I also find that those that give and receive gratitude the most freely and whole heartedly tend to be the ones who have lives that are enriched and fulfilling.
I think it goes back to my feeling that “you get what you focus on“. In other words if you focus on lack then you will find yourself lacking. If you focus on abundance and good things, you will find there is always enough.
So all I want for Christmas is a pair of new cozy flannel pajamas and more gratitude. 
<<Totally personal side note – every year we do a draw for Christmas presents with Dave’s family and every year I’m asked what I want. To everyone’s frustration, it’s the same answer … pajamas. I really love cozy pajamas at all times of the year. If you drop by my house without notice there is a VERY good chance you’ll see my PJ’s or my ROOTS sweat pants>>
This year has been one of major growth for me in particular, but for both Dave and myself (and guess what growth means?? lots of challenges!! haha!!). We haven’t faced the challenges alone and it would take an entire book to share all the people, situations and things I am grateful for. I will come back and share a few in the comments over the holidays and I encourage you to take a moment in the comments below to share a few with us too!! Sharing what you are grateful for is a powerful exercise – big or small – don’t be shy to share what you are thankful for.
The more you acknowledge what you are grateful for, the more good things you’ll find coming your way!!
So … with that … I wish you and your family and warm, laughter filled holiday season. We celebrate Christmas but whatever it is you celebrate at this time of year I hope it’s wonderful. And please take a moment to share what you’re grateful for right now.
Here’s a few photos from our Mexican Vacation because I know you love pictures … admit it.
This is most of my family … my brother Dan and his girlfriend weren’t able to join us in Mexico. I am very grateful that we were able to spend 10 days together in Mexico!! It’s been a long time since we all just hung out.
We hit the dune buggies this year. What a fun and absolutely filthy dirty experience!! I am grateful we got to do this AND we didn’t have to take Dave to the doctor afterwards like we did last year (missed that one??)
Cabo San Lucas beach
The boardwalk.
