Being Grateful Can Improve your Life

"Gratitude is the first step on the Simple Abundance path, or it just won't work. Simplicity, order, harmony, beauty and joy—all the other principles that can transform your life will not blossom and flourish without gratitude."
— Sarah Ban Breathnach

Several years ago Oprah did a show about being grateful for everything in your life - even those things that seemed troublesome. She claimed that having a "Attitude of Gratitude" was part of what has brought her happiness and success. She said:

"Accept with an open heart whatever is going on in your life right now. And whenever you can't think of something to be grateful for, remember your breath. With each breath you take, you can say, "I am still here."

People all over the world began making lists of things they were grateful for and it didn't take long before they were writing to Oprah, telling her how that simple daily habit had changed their life.

It is true that changing your attitude to a positive frame of mind can change your whole life. Becoming positive instead of negative will attract positive people and positive events to you. And you will be more likely to recognize a positive opportunity when you are in a positive frame of mind.

While you are making your list of things to be grateful for, make a mental note of those areas of your life that can be changed from a negative to a positive. Make a commitment to stop gossiping, judging others, or expecting that others should live to your standards. Replace those old habits with positive ones. Look for the positive in others, be compassionate, and be grateful that everyone around you is a unique individual.