Gratitude

I’m cheating by one day to try to post twice a week - but the last week was a busy one. As the American Thanksgiving weekend winds down and the news that Black Friday online shopping was lower than in previous years, perhaps we are discovering that being grateful is more satisfying than acquiring more stuff. In fact a recent article written by a physician and published in Fast Company backs that up. Here are ways to be ensure it. Nearly all religions and philosophies tell you the same things:

• Be thankful for the beauties of nature and its constancy. The sun rises and sets each day

• Compared to other living species we have been blessed with consciousness.

• Good conversation enlivens us.

• Love and encouragement of friends and family assures us.

• Giving thanks in the morning and evening reminds us of how fortunate we are.

• Writing thank you notes reinforces our gratitude

• A journal allows us to record the good things that happen.

• Seeking experiences rather than just buying things gives us pleasure.

• Making gratitude a habit helps us through sorrow and challenges - so that we can remember that there are other good things waiting for us.