Gimster,
Try having fun with it. I like taking one thing and expanding on it...here's Bertha's take on it...this is from a story from her journal...

“Appreciation and gratitude are very similar. It’s probably easiest to give you an example.” Bertha aimed her pointer at her cup of coffee. “On the one hand I appreciate the taste of my coffee in the morning. I appreciate its deep rich mahogany color. I appreciate how warm it is and how I feel so cozy when I drink a cup. On the other hand,” she held up the other hand for effect, “I am grateful that Juan Valdez and his burrow got up early and went out to pick the coffee beans at their peak of flavor. I am grateful that someone processed them and shipped them to my favorite store and that the store was open at a convenient time so that I could purchase a bag of coffee in my favorite grind and flavor. I am grateful that we have a wonderful electric coffee pot with a timer so that the coffee is ready when I get up in the morning.”

I did a little rendition yesterday with toilet tissue...I won't go into the details of that one! LOL...but it is fun...I don't think you are a negative person...just someone who wants to be even more positive...how nice!

Hi Gimster, I am so grateful for you because this is how we incorporate gratitude into our lives. First by awareness of its lack and then by practicing it. Soon we feel gratitude and the magic happens. The magic of focusing on the positive, raising your energy level and just feeling happier all the time. And what we focus on expands so the more good you focus on the more good will come to you. Most people think they know gratitude and don't go a step further. Their minds are not open like yours is. Gratitude is an ongoing process and a practice, different for each individual. Those who know gratitude are helping to change the world one heart at a time, starting with their own. I am excited for you and can't wait for the day that I see the message, "I got it amd I love it," and I know it will be soon for I hold this belief for you. Thanks, again, Kathy

Today I am grateful for spending the morning with my new friend, our very own Dianne. I am grateful that we spent the morning pampering ourselves with great toast and sweet jam. I am grateful that we then moved on down the street to a lovely little spa and pampered our bodies for two hours.

We had hot stone massages and a 3rd eye hot oil treatment with arms, hand, legs and feet massaged. Then warm oil poured over our scalps and gently massaged heads. We were a sight upon leaving, and I am grateful for scarfs, hats and not being pulled over by the cops on the way home.

Jane, that was a great reply. I loved your rendition of the coffee and can only imagine what you had in mind with toilet tissue. What a hoot you are. Thanks, Kathy

Hi Anno, I envy you -- but only for a moment. Thanks for sharing. I must schedule a day at the spa soon. Thanks, Kathy

gimster, I've never thought of you as a negative person. I always get psyched to read your posts. I would be tickled if this forum helped you turn yourself around to being more grateful. The more you do it, the easier it gets.

I do the same thing with worry and prayer. My mother was a huge worry wart. I have had to train myself to turn my worries into prayers. Now I turn everything over in prayer in the morning. When a worry thought enters, I do what chick does. I try to turn them around. There is no perfection in this for me, but I have come a long way.

I'm so grateful to have this topic here in February which is one of the toughest months due to the weather in this part of the country.

After reading your posts, earlier this afternoon, I had to go lay down. For some reason, I got really depressed. I laid there, honestly trying to be grateful - not be grateful, but FEEL grateful, and I was having an extremely hard time with it. I kept getting angrier and angrier for some reason. I asked myself, "What's this all about." Then, I forced myself to take a nap. I almost didn't come back to add to this thread, but after I read through other threads with all the fine contributions from all the members, my mood moved into a happier zone.

With tears in my eyes and that horrible rusty feeling in my throat that visits us when we try to refrain from crying, I am saying right now, "I am grateful for this moment and for all of you."

This is a wonderful forum, and I enjoyed all the enlightening posts.

Almost every evening, after watching the news, I feel a rush of gratitude. How lucky we are that we live where we live. Not in a Moslem country, where women are suppressed, food and water is scare, fear of bombings and snipers are a part of the daily life. I feel there are two different worlds on this planet. That other frightening world is so far away; so hard to imagine. I'm forever grateful that I wasn't born into that world.

At the same time, I agree with Gimster, I quote,

"Do you think the less we expect, the more grateful we will feel if/when something good happens?"

Too much gratitude isn't healthy either. There is a danger of just laying your hands limply in your lap and thinking, I'm grateful that I'm healthy and not starving. Gratitude should not overwhelm ambition and a fighting nature. Gratitude should not lower your expectations.

Gimster mabe you felt depressed because the fight is temporarily gone out of you. If you aren't happy with your situation or life, then my philosophy is; take control. Change what you are able to change. Find your ambitious fighting nature again, and transform it in a constructive plan. Feeling anger is an energy that you can transform to a fighting nature. Use that energy. That's great! You can do it! I know you can.

Oh boy Gimster, I can relate. I had to deal for a long time with an ungrateful person in my own family. The more I gave, the more ungrateful he became. In fact, the more demanding, and insistent he became.

Then I read an article that that's often a normal reaction from people on the taking side (especially from the male gender), just because they hate being there, and It's often the last thing they have left; a bad attitude shows their independence. That made a lot of sense to me and helped me feel less bitter about his manners.

A few years have passed, and I don't expect any thank you's, and he has found his way in life. And we have found our way to one another again. Happy endings do happen. And Gimster, being disappointed that someone neglects to thank you is not narcissistic; it's normal.