“Develop an attitude of gratitude and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step to achieving something bigger and better than your current situation”
– Brian Tracy
I believe we can all relate to giving thanks, being in gratitude, offering appreciation, and blessings. But are we consciously open to receiving? How many of us have a deeply rooted practice of gratitude? Can you embrace that all of this is happening for you?
The kind of gratitude that touches the depth of your heart and soul—the kind that may move you to feel a tear moisten your cheek. Opening to all the energy of life: joy, love, abundance, as well as sadness, despair, and uncertainty.
One action step to practice moving forward is to forgive and release ourselves and others for any judgments and stories we have been carrying, both professionally and personally. Have you ever caught yourself responding to an act of kindness with, “Oh, you shouldn’t have”? This deflates the energy from which it was offered and deprives both of you of the opportunity to give and receive love.
Often, we go into “auto-pilot” mode with our responses of gratitude and appreciation. As children, we learned responses to giving and receiving that may now feel fleeting, like a quick “thank you” before moving on to the next thing, or over-giving while being reluctant to receive.
At times, you may notice it’s easier to be present and available for someone you respect, care for, or love, as opposed to someone you already have preconceived stories about. This is an inside job—something only you have control over, influencing how you want to feel internally. Most of us say we want peace and harmony, yet we hold the energy of doubt, sadness, and fear, disrupting our own inner peace, freedom, and connection to Source or the Universe.
My mentor always says, “Gratitude is harmonious with abundance.” When we focus on problems—struggling to make ends meet or experiencing challenges in work or personal life—we attract more of the same, as our thoughts are frequently anchored in fear and doubt. We are far greater than our circumstances. Do you believe that?
What small steps can you take today to open your heart in gratitude, knowing and feeling that you are safe, and anchoring to your “inner being,” knowing that all is well?
Strategies for Manifesting with Gratitude:
- Commit to a daily conscious gratitude practice, breathing into the blessings and everyday appreciations in your life.
- Sit or lie quietly before getting up for the day or going to sleep. Spend a few moments setting an intention or reflecting on the events of the day. Begin by saying, “I am so happy and grateful that…”
- Be a detective looking for the good, even when you can’t immediately see it.
- Write down your daily gratitude in a journal, notebook, or phone. Be grateful for everything in your life, big and small.
- Pay yourself first, no matter the amount. What we appreciate, appreciates.
- Embrace the feelings of relief, freedom, and acceptance. Release the judgments you’ve carried about yourself or others.
- Throughout your day, say with feeling, “Thank you for my life.”
Wishing you a healthy and happy season of gratitude and love.
