“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” – Melody Beattie
Little Gems of Wisdom & Fun from Mary Lynn Ziemer
Watch this moving and powerful 6 minute video called "On Art” by Louie Schwartzburg
Now, don’t just think about gratitude. You must learn to FEEL IT! Be grateful all day, every day, for everyone and everything. We have so much to be grateful for! The simple act of giving thanks now will create more happiness and joy in your life.
To help you get started, complete this simple exercise from Melanie Beckler.
Start simply by expressing gratitude for something in this present moment. Stop and consider, "What’s one thing in your life you’re grateful for here and now?" Take a moment to think of something. What is the first thing that comes to mind? It could be the place you are in, or the view that you have. It may be the person next to you, or the food that you are eating or the drink you’re enjoying as you read this post. Perhaps you’re thinking of someone in your life that loves and supports you, or your home, a special relationship, or the weather that just passed you by. Or, your children, the fun job that you have, your pet(s), or special friends.
It could be recent positive changes in your job or your wealth, health, or opportunities to travel. Whatever comes into your mind…whatever big, small, or seemingly insignificant thing you're grateful for, take a moment to honor it and feel thankful for it. Shift your awareness into your heart. Focus on the center of your chest, and tune into what you are grateful for.
Now, in this moment, shift from thinking about how grateful you are to feeling gratitude from your heart. Just feel gratitude from the center of your being. When you do this… when you really feel gratitude and experience the love that gratitude is…you raise yourself to higher levels of love as your heart expands. Your love tank is now very full and that feeling of gratitude aligns you perfectly with peace, joy, and love in the moment. It centers you and reconnects you with that Infinite Source of Power that is your inner heart light, and it always brings you to calm.
Practice expanding this technique as you move through your day. Plan time on your schedule to stop and do it again. Form this new and wonderful feeling habit. Or put a sticky note on your computer to remind yourself to stop in between activities for a gratitude break. It only takes a minute or 2 at most, literally! As you form this new habit, you will be more consciously aware of all the big and little things you already have, plus more: your home, the clothes in your closet, the shoes on your feet, the food you have to eat, your computer, your pen, your comfortable space, etc., etc.
Science proves that we get more of what we are already grateful for, so always feel grateful as you notice the new things appearing in your life that you want more of… no matter how small. When you consciously put a smile on your face as you feel gratitude for something you have in your life already, you will feel better yet.
Here’s one last tip for today. Research proves that writing down 3 things you feel grateful for immediately releases dopamine into your brain, bringing you an almost instant happier feeling. The more you practice an “attitude of gratitude,” the more alive you’re going to feel!
Remember...because you create your reality based on how you feel, this practice of feeling love and gratitude will not only make you feel calmer than ever before, but will begin to shape your new reality. And that is where the miracles and magic abound!
Have an absolutely magical day full of love, gratitude, and fun, fun, fun!
~Mary Lynn Ziemer
If this message inspired you, please forward it to a friend, colleague, client, or family member to brighten their day as well!
Need help feeling more joy today? Contact me for a initial Coaching session at (239) 444-3133.
Looking for a fun and engaging keynote speaker for your event? I am happy to consider speaking at any size event. Please call me at (239) 444-3133, or email your event details to: MaryLynn@LivingAJoyfulLifeNow.com