Fussity Fuss Fuss

​We humans are quite a fascinating bunch. Someone arrives back from a trip or vacation. Have you ever noticed? You say, “How was it? Did you have a good time?” 
 
“Oh yeah, it was great. Except this one bad thing happened.” They proceed to tell you about the “one bad thing.” Really? 
 
I’ve longtime wondered… how is it we humans are so captivated by negativity? Enchanted. Bewitched. “I’m sure I can find something here to fuss about.”
 
The negative is not the only thing happening. Negativity is not our only choice.
 
In the mid-80s, I began practicing a resource I guarantee you will pry off the barnacles of negativity and level your inner playing field. The wonders of gratitude. Spoiler Alert: If you’re thinking, “Oh sure, that. I know about practicing gratitude.” Unless you have exercised your gratitude muscles… unless you have actually practiced gratitude… you have no idea about the intriguing powerhouse that is gratitude.
 
At first, I followed the suggestion… “make a daily list.” “Today, I am grateful for these 3 things in my Life.” Hmmm… interesting. This gave me a different perspective to look back over my day. To look back over my Life. Looking for the good stuff. The “not so bad” stuff. Things that made me smile.
 
Truth is… they’re here, too. Looking for them… you find them. 
 
There are no rules for what you get to be grateful for. The sunset. That chocolate milkshake. A friend’s kindness. The moving parts of your day going smoothly. A stranger’s kindness. The fact I’m drawing breath.
 
Over time, I began to see… the significant difference between thinking gratitude and feeling gratitude. Give that one a spin. Feel grateful.
 
Feeling gratitude reveals an unexpected gift. Bringing an unanticipated affirming quality… to yourself and your Life.