Celebrate Thanksgiving every day

It sounds silly but you can “cultivate” a positive attitude by growing your sense of gratitude. When negative events or stress overwhelm you, think things for which you are grateful. The more you remind yourself of the positives, the easier it is to focus on gratitude.

Something to think about…

I woke up early today, excited over all I get to do before the clock strikes midnight.  I have responsibilities to fulfill today.  I am important.  My job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have.

Today I can _______

… complain because the weather is rainy or I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free.

… feel sad that I don’t have more money or I can be glad that my finances encourage me to plan my purchases wisely and guide me away from waste.

… grumble about my health or I can rejoice that I am alive.

… lament over all that my parents didn’t give me when I was growing up or I can feel grateful that they allowed me to be born.

…cry because roses have thorns or I can celebrate that thorns have roses.

…mourn my lack of friends or I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new relationships.

…whine because I have to go to work or I can shout for joy because I have a job to do.

…complain because I have to go to school or eagerly open my mind and fill it with rich new tidbits of knowledge.

…murmur dejectedly because I have housework to do or I can feel honored because the Lord has provided shelter for my mind, body and soul.

Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped.  And here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping. What today will be like is up to me. I get to choose what kind of day I will have!

(Anonoymous)

Many world religions give us insight into gratitude.

Buddhist

Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.

Thich Nhat Hanh quotes, Zen quotes Gratitude quotes Joy quotes Buddhism quotes

B’ahai

Rejoice and be glad that this day has dawned, try to realize its power, for it is indeed wonderful!

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Paris Talks, p. 68)

Native American

A Native American grandfather talking to his young grandson tells the boy he has two wolves inside of him struggling with each other. The first is the wolf of peace, love and kindness. The other wolf is fear, greed and hatred. "Which wolf will win, grandfather?" asks the young boy. "Whichever one I feed," is the reply.

Native American Proverb quotes 

Christian

I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples, and I will sing praises to you among the nations.  For your steadfast love is higher than the heavens, and your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.

Psalm 108:3-4