LORI A MCNEIL AUTHOR, SPEAKER, BUSINESS COACH, INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS STRATEGIST
What We Focus On,
Grows
9 Characteristics Of Gratitude That Will Change Your Life
We all come from different walks of life, encounter varying circumstances that can leave us living in scarcity or abundance, or seasons of either. This concept of scarcity and abundance is not merely a financial discussion, it is a lifestyle discussion. Regardless though of where we are or who we meet in life, the single thread that ties us all together is the thread of gratitude. Let’s look at nine characteristics of gratitude that shape the way you think, speak, and act in the world.
Giving is the first characteristic. It always feels better to give than to receive. Our hearts and souls are warmed when we see someone’s face light up no matter where we are at, like a birthday, holiday, or anyone in need that we give something to. Generosity is one of the greatest gifts we can give to the world. So much has been written around the concept of generosity that anyone on the receiving end of a humble, thoughtful gift will most likely feel gratitude, and will regard the reception of a gift…
Receiving is the second characteristic. We know how it feels to re-
Copyright Lori A McNeil
There is a fundamental truth that if you want your garden to grow and to flourish it must be watered, irrigated, aerated, and seeds must be strategically planted. Then there is the waiting time. When we focus on these elements in a garden, it produces a finished product, mainly vegetables, perhaps flowers, and that finished product will continue to grow so long as it is tended to. The same goes for our lives, businesses, relationships. When we focus on them, they have no other path to go than the path of growth. If we were to look across the entirety of life and pull just one concept to focus on that would reach every area, I would submit that concept be in the sphere of gratitude. There are many privileges, protections, and productions that we, especially here in America have in which this concept of gratitude and implementing the means of gratitude can, and will make all the difference, both internally (to ourselves) and externally (to others).
A Focus on Gratitude Is A Focus Across Life 62 INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE MAGAZINE
ceive a gift or a needed item in our life. When the gift is unexpected, we have no preconceived notion (think six years old during Christmas) of what it is or should be, or even that we are receiving something, and behold, the humble beauty of life shines pure. Gratitude grows when we least expect something that comes our way. Oftentimes the acceptance of someone’s gift or something that comes our way creates an internal unpretentious recognition which leads to the third characteristic…
Appreciation is that emotion that levels the playing field of our mind. When a person is grateful, they are appreciative. Appreciation is a real, raw, relevant emotion that works like a stabilizer for whatever situation or season we find ourselves in. Having an appreciation towards a person allows our mind to see and feel the good in them. In a world that tells us to see the ill in people and to focus on that, appreciation is a breath of fresh air that again, reminds us of the human spirit. This recognition of the current time or place… this presence leads to being…
Thankfu l in (or for) the moment. Life changes all the time and once it happens, it is gone. Time is the only commodity we cannot reuse or recycle. The only way to maintain a connection we have to time that has passed is to remember it. Memories develop into subconscious patterns of behavior and belief. The greater our thankfulness, the greater our thoughtfulness. Being thankful allows us to maintain humility and solidifies appreciation, which inspires us forward.
Inspiration is what happens both to us, and through us. Gratitude inspires us to do more and when we are receivers of someone else’s gratitude, our hope in humanity continues to strengthen. All it takes is one person to start a movement of change. Changes that benefit others often become movements that inspire growth. The more things change, the more they change. Change is the only constant in the world we can count on. Change also keeps us aligned with awareness. Awareness of
