I just began reading this today and started my gratitude journal. I started with 5 things, but honestly, I could have filled a page +.

I don't consider myself a negative person, however, I am not happy with my circumstances totally. Is that a contradiction?

I think I need to learn more about gratitude.

I'm finding I'm having to think above a normal consciousness I can't think in my natural mode and "feel" grateful. It is taking practice, for me. I mean, I can make a list about the things I "should" be grateful for, but I'm aiming at feeling it through. Maybe I'm making it harder than it is, thinking it should be more like the first spiritual experience I had.

gimster, maybe you could try breathing through it instead of feeling it.

Dianne and Daisy, I'm so happy to hear you are doing this. Daisy, that makes sense to me. I think some people think our lives have to be perfect to be happy and grateful. I don't find that to be true at all. I certainly have my issues, but I try to find something within each to be thankful for.

gimster, eventually it will seep through and you will feel it. Keep up the good work.

Hi Daisy, That sounds like dis-satisfaction to me and that is good because it causes us to want to grow. Here is a recipe for gratitude for you and everyone else. I hope you like it.

Recognize and appreciate all that you have to be grateful for.

Take even the smallest successes,
Add a pinch of growth,
Focus your attention on doing everything possible to make your life a success,
Use your capabilities well,
Seek out the littlest advantages and pleasures,
Build on this precious foundation,
And things will continue to change for the better.

Finally, Apply liberal amounts of gratitude for even the smallest talents and treasures that you possess.

And remember that gratitude causes us to be honest with ourselves and to feel our feelings. We cannot be grateful and resentful at the same time. Have fun, Kathy

Message gleaned from Oprah today:

Many of us are focusing on what we don't want. Therefore, the law of reverse is operating in our lives.

What to do: Write a list of everything you don't want in your life. Then write the opposite of what you do desire.

WAIT FOR YOUR NEW ORDER TO BE FILLED BY THE UNIVERSE.

Eileen

I think by being grateful for what you do have, you keep your focus on what you do want. At least it has helped me.

I also heard the message of service. Giving to others. We all have strengths and gifts to offer others. This giving is showing gratitude for your own gifts.

I thought of this forum topic today while taking communion to shut-ins. I was trying to think of what these once vibrant, very active, dynamic people who are now flat on their backs in care centers have to be thankful for. That is the true test, giving thanks in rotten situations. I decided they would have to be thankful for the people who care for, visit, and show them love. I pray I get better at this before that time arrives in my life.

You will, Dotsie, you will.

Hi everyone, According to James Ray, (from the Secret,) "Whatever we fear or love will come into our life." So if we focus on what we fear we will attract what we fear. If we focus on what we love, we will attract what we love. When we learn to be absolutely grateful for right where we are, the master key of gratitude will open the door to our natural state of abundance.

If we make gratitude a daily habit I'm sure we will look for the good in everything as we go along in this life. At least that is my intention.

The gratitude community is growing and I am so grateful for being a part of it. And I am grateful for everyone participating. Thank you, Kathy