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Ask yourself the question “How grateful am I?” and then listen to yourself being as truthful as you can. Having worked with many wonderful clients over the years, many have struggled to list ten things they could be grateful for in their lives. So, I challenge you right now. Take a pen and some paper and jot down ten things you really have to be grateful for, these could be things from the past or the present. How easy is it for you to do this exercise? Did the ten things come to you immediately, or, did you struggle consciously recollecting them?
Gratitude and being thankful for what we have, what we love, our special gifts both materially and spiritually, is a positive attitude which has an amazing effect on our level of self esteem. The truth of the matter is, you do have something to be grateful for if you will be open enough to allow it. Many of us have a human tendency to focus hard on what we don't like in our lives, we are determined to dwell on things which cause us anger, hostility, frustration, and shame. Much of this can be to do with our past experiences. We have been so overwhelmed by something 'bad' which happened in our earlier days, that we continually tarnish our current experience with negativity. When you decide to be grateful for the things you have, you are making a conscious decision to like and appreciate these things. This immediately evokes a sense of joy and contentment which will add to your measure of self esteem. Many of us take for granted the beauty of a day, the blessing of good health, strengths and attributes, loved ones, material possessions, and the free will to choose our own life path.
Many of us take for granted the flow of running water, heated homes, comfy beds, and an endless supply of the foods of our choice. The Victorians would be a very confused people if they were to glance into their future and see mankind in this twenty first century. They would see our advanced technology, our abundance of nice foods and clothes, an elaborate welfare state, and cures to many killer diseases. Then they would see alongside these great things, the doom and gloom, the tension and stress, and the general pessimism of the today's people.
Being grateful about the little things in your life is the start to creating a greater sense of inner gratitude which will lead to greater self esteem. To many, it will seem like an unusual concept, to some it will seem abnormal. Many choose to be ungrateful and meet with frustration, want, and discontentment. You can begin right now to develop an attitude of gratitude:
Ï As day dawns or night draws in, look to the skies and their beauty. Look at the trees and the different colors and in your mind say thank you for the day. Use your heart to really express the gratitude, take deep breaths and relax into the gratitude
Ï Think about a loved one and the imprint they have had on your life, those happy times, their unique character and beauty. In your mind say thank you for this person. E.g “I'm so grateful for Fred and the laughter he gives me so often”
Ï Think about your 47 inch LCD television with Dolby surround. Think of the impact this has on your enjoyment of films and programmes. Start to say thanks for the great quality of picture and sound you regularly experience.
Ï Think about a difficult time when you were unsure how things were going to pan out. A time where you felt all alone. Be grateful for the fact you came through it and the strength you have now gained as a result
Ï Be grateful for the small things, a friendly greeting from a stranger, the peace of a nice quiet place, a new person who has come into your life, or the relief of a person who has left . REMEMBER GRATITUDE IS SOMETHING YOU CAN BEGIN TO DEVELOP RIGHT NOW. IT REALLY WILL LIFT YOUR SELF ESTEEM!