We know we are meant to live lives of gratitude and generosity. We know this because about 10 minutes after we form our first words "thank you" is added to the mix. “Be sure to say ‘thank you’ for...your meal...the invitation...the fuzzy slippers that squeak when you walk.”
The thing is sometimes we don’t feel all that thankful. Today, there are seven billion people on this planet, many of whom seem to stand directly in front of us in line at the grocery - some of whom aren’t all that easy to enjoy. This is a life of ill-advised haircuts, missed appointments, and unexpected bills. This is a life of frustration.
It’s also a life of unexpected joys, moments of inspiration, and reasons to hope - even in the midst of paper cuts, monotony, and real tragedy. Is there a trick to living a life truly characterized by celebration and thanks? You’re certainly welcome to think of it that way, but it’s not all that complicated, counterintuitive maybe, but not complicated.
You see, living a life of thanks means adjusting your focus beyond your self, going on a high-return scavenger hunt for blessings, and giving others a reason to be thankful for you.
