The Peace That Comes with a Grateful Heart
In good or bad times strive to be grateful for the people in your life and avoid being too focused on all the stuff you have or want.
By Colleen K Pulley
We were walking through the store the other day and were greeted by a 10-foot witch, who cackled at us as we walked by. Standing on the shelf behind the witch and ghosts was a gobbling turkey, and a Pilgrim. I smiled at Leland and shook my head. The store wanted to remind us that it’s that time of year. The Holiday Seasons that seemed so far away just three months ago have arrived.
Generally, I enjoy this time of year. I love the leaves that crunch under my feet. I love the pumpkins and colored gourds, and dried corn stocks neighbors put on their porches. Fall seems to me the best season to be reminded of all the things to be grateful for in my life.
I have been blessed with relatively good health. I have a family I love. I am fortunate to have had a career that was fulfilling, one that would never be outsourced, or not needed. Nurses are always in demand. I have a home, a good car, and can pay my bills. I live in a country that allows me the freedom to vote and have a say in who my leaders are.
There are many people who find it difficult to feel grateful for the blessings they have. I think part of the reason for this goes back to the fact that we have been duped into thinking that without “STUFF” we should feel cheated and should view ourselves as a failure. If we base our gratitude on the “Stuff” theory, we will always want more. Thus, our gratitude will not be as great as it should be.
When too many people stress all the “stuff” available, we have a social problem. This can lead to financial problems for many individuals. Learning to get by with less is a worthwhile goal.
One of the outcomes of economic hard times is this: it doesn’t take too long before you become bitter and angry. You begin to blame everything around you for your hard times. Sometimes the anger gets turned on the ones who should mean the most to you: your family. Often a person turns to alcohol to face their problems. and they use physical and verbal abuse. Often this can lead to divorce. Now the individual is facing hard times all alone. I assure you that if you are facing hard times alone, the last thing most individuals will be thinking about is gratitude.
The lucky individual is the one that realizes the most important things in life center around you and the ones you love. The truth is that all the material “stuff’ you have accumulated is a miserable substitute for the presence of your child or life companion. I have never met a person who would choose their “Stuff” over the life of their loved ones.
Hardships should be a time that pulls a family together. Long after the silk scarf or expensive sweater is gone, a handmade card, or a painted rock from your child, is the memory that will warm your heart. A person will finger the painted rock and remember the gift with love and gratitude.
True gratitude contributes to the peace of mind you can and should have in your life. Count your many blessings periodically to sustain gratitude.
Here we are, another holiday season is upon us. We have another chance to ponder all the things we possess, and to be grateful for them. Let your heart be filled with gratitude and be sure to share that spirit with those around you. Towards that goal, enjoy the blessings you have. Just something to think about. Until later time.... Colleen
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