self improvement

Living in Gratitude and Appreciation

There has been much written about the benefits of reflecting on things in our lives that we can be grateful for. One of the benefits of doing this, is that it puts us in one of the highest vibrational states possible. We are actually in a state of abundance when we are in a state of gratitude and appreciation.

According to the Law of Attraction, when we actually focus on the many things we are grateful for, we end up getting more of those very things we focus on. It’s just human nature to feel more inclined to want to continue giving to someone if they show genuine appreciation for what we have done for them. Our motive for gift giving is certainly not to receive a gift in return. However, it is human nature to want to feel appreciated.

Do you recall a time when you have given a gift to someone and they have barely acknowledged it. Perhaps you had put a lot of thought into the gift. Maybe you had spent a lot of time actually making it. Recall how hurt and disappointed you felt with their reaction. I know how I feel when that happens. I feel hurt and let down and might even falsely reason “why should I ever give a gift to this person again, just to feel hurt all over again?”.

So realizing how hurt we feel in that situation, let’s make sure that whenever we have the opportunity, we express our gratitude to others for how they enrich our lives. Let’s not wait until we receive a gift from someone to do this. Our kind words could be just what that person is looking for right at that moment, and you never know, we might even make their day.

Why don’t you take a few minutes to write down ten things that you are truly grateful for in your life and meditate of each one of them. Here is a list I made of ten things I am most grateful for. There are many others, but these are the ones that came initially to mind.

* My family

* My faith

* My community

* The beauty of Nature

* Books

* Old and new friends

* Meditation

* Good food

* Health

* Mentors

Appreciation and gratitude is a two-way street. Yes, we want to reflect on all the things we are truly grateful for and express our appreciation for what we have, but we do not want to forget to voice our appreciation and gratitude to all our dear family members and friends for the contribution they make to our lives. What a lot of people neglect to do, is show appreciation on a daily basis to those we come in contact with as we are going about our regular business. How pleasant were you to the waitress who brought you your coffee and donut this morning, or to the grocery clerk who was doing her best to get you through the check out line as soon as she could?

Believe me when I say that just a smile and a warm word of thanks can make an enormous difference in peoples lives. Try it, and I promise you that you will not be sorry. The joy you give to another person when you do this will come back to you a hundred fold…guaranteed.

Tags: appreciate, appreciation, blessings, giving thanks, grateful, gratitude, law of attraction, self improvement, self love tips, sincere