image credit for james marsden posted at kenneth in the 212
one thing i have learned in these last few years is that having a spiritual program and actually working it has saved my collective ass on more than a hundred occasions. it has helped me develop somewhere new and more helpful to go when i am not on top of my game, when i feel any of my less joyful emotions, or when i feel i am not getting enough or what i deserve or want. if i remember to look to what is working in life in lieu of my nature of looking to what is not, my outlook, my mood, and therefore my day and my life quantitatively improve. this attitude of gratitude is one of the first tasks my sponsor gave oh so few years ago. i use this tool to this day and am always thankful to find another road to get there. today i offer one of these to you. if you are struggling or if you are not, i challenge you to consider working this program for the 30 days suggested and see if it does not affect your life in some way. my experience tells me that this won't interfere with any other programs you may currently be working.
i snagged these "three truths to help create a life in gratitude" from zenhabits
Characteristics of a Grateful Life
A life of gratitude is composed of three parts that combine to make a whole.
1. A sense of purpose in our lives
2. An appreciation for the lives of those around us
3. A willingness to take action to show the gratitude we feel
chris guillebeau (a guest author on zenhabits) also offers a challenge. i, in turn, am passing that challenge along to readers and people in my life.
The Zen Habits Gratefulness Challenge
Fellow readers of Zen Habits, I’d like to leave you with a challenge today. This is not a theoretical challenge–it’s designed to be quite practical.
Over the next 30 days, I would like to challenge you to create your own life of gratitude in a way that is meaningful to you, and to begin practicing acts of gratefulness more than you have ever done before.
I’ll be doing it along with you, and so will a lot of other readers. It’s always good to be specific, so here are some ideas… but don’t let these limit you.
Spend three minutes every morning writing down a few things you are grateful for that day
Devote a full morning or afternoon to composing a more detailed gratefulness list. (One tip: think both about what you are grateful for and also how you can show that gratitude)
Make it a habit to encourage at least one person every day
Review your finances to make sure they are in order and aligned with your values
Plan something fun, like a trip to somewhere you’ve never been
For one day (or more), say something positive to every person you meet
Lastly, every good challenge has a part two. Are you ready for the part two of this challenge? Here it is:
The second part of the Zen Habits Gratefulness Challenge is for you to pass on the challenge to others.
You don’t need to do this in an organized way–make it your way. Just make it real, because the world will be better for it. Bloggers, you have a loyal audience that pays attention to what you have to say. Tell them what you’re grateful for, and then challenge them as well.
In your work and school environments, you can be an influence for positive change, and one way to start is by spreading the habit of gratitude.
If you’ve enjoyed this guest essay, or even if you haven’t, I’d like to hear from you. Do you accept the gratefulness challenge? What are some other ways to create a life of gratitude? Please post your feedback in the comments below.
i also found an interesting ebook which was highlighted on that site: perhaps it will assist one or more of you on your journeys...manifesto
and finally the sound choice today is amos lee singing "shout out loud"
