from Peaceful Living
by Mary Mackenzie

Day 106: Experiencing Gratitude

Do you ever think you’re taking life just a little too seriously? Many of us work hard trying to improve our outlook, our ability to communicate and our lives.

Sometimes we work so hard, we forget to enjoy life. So let’s make a pact to enjoy our day. This doesn’t mean we pretend that our life is enjoyable when it’s not, or that we deny our feelings in any way. It only means that we focus on what works well, rather than what doesn’t.

For example, your house payments might be higher than you can easily afford, but you can appreciate the fact that you have a house. Similarly, your spouse may be out of town and you may miss him. You can also feel appreciation that you have a spouse whom you enjoy.

We can acknowledge our sadness, disappointment or worry without making it the focal point of our day. By simply acknowledging the good in our life, we immediately shift our focus.

I make a mental gratitude list every night before going to sleep. My goal is to come up with eight items per night. Sometimes all I can muster is gratitude for indoor plumbing or my sheets. But even just acknowledging to myself how grateful I am for these items can ease some of life’s pressures and remind me of the parts of my life I enjoy.

Today, focus on what you enjoy in your life.

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