How many of us have an attitude of gratitude? Sometimes it is easier to complain than to see the gift in a situation. On our courses, we always start the day with Gratitude - what do we have in our lives to feel grateful for.


Take a few minutes to read through this page...the quotes, story, do the survey and for yourself, list the things you are grateful for in your life.






Below you will find a 'mini Gratitude Journal'. The idea behind it is to start with day one, listing general things you feel grateful for. As you go further, by day three or four, we want you to become more specific with the things in your life you feel grateful for. Try not to repeat the same things every day. You will be amazed, if you are 'forced' to think of different things, how many things there actually are in our lives we can say Thank You for.


DAY 1
Make a list of things for which you are grateful today, right now:
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DAY 2
Here are a few ways to be happy and to add value to others' lives:
  1. Laugh a lot and loud
  2. Greet everybody with a smile
  3. Be an encourager
What could you add to the list of yesterday for which you are grateful in your life today:
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DAY 3
Make a list of things for which you are grateful today!

1. Your personal life and family
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2. Your career or work environment
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3. Your living environment (house, town, suburb, city or country)
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DAY 4
Make a list of what you are grateful for today...
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DAY 5
Thoughts on Gratitude
  • "Gratitude is the hearts memory" - French Proverb.
  • Most people tend to repeat the good things that they do, if they are thanked for it.
  • When you learn to live with gratitude, you condition yourself to become positive.
  • "Judgement and criticism are the opposite of gratitude" - Diana Cooper.


What do you feel grateful for today?
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Some ideas on developing your "Attitude of Gratitude"
  • Before going to bed, ask what you are thankful for? Take out a small book, a gratitude journal, and write down the first 5 things that come to mind. This ends off the day on a positive note.
  • On the way to work each morning, try to notice something positive about the scenery or think about things or people that make your life worthwhile.
  • Every day, find someone who is important to you, and for that day be aware of what that person does for you, however insignificant.


Seven Wonders of the World
A True Story

A group so students were asked to list what they thought were the present "Seven Wonders of the World." Though there were some disagreements, the following received the most votes.
Picture
  1. Egypt's Great Pyramids
  2. Taj Mahal
  3. Grand Canyon
  4. Panama Canal
  5. Empire State Building
  6. St. Peter's Basilica
  7. China's Great Wall
While gathering the votes, the teacher noted that one student had not finished her paper yet. So she asked the girl if she was having trouble with her list. The girl replied: "Yes, a little, I couldn't quite make up my mind because there were so many." The teacher said: "Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help."

The girl hesitated, then read, "I think the Seven Wonders of the World are:
  1. To see
  2. To smell
  3. To taste
  4. To hear
  5. To touch
  6. To love
  7. To laugh

The room was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop."

The things we overlook as simple and ordinary and that we take for granted are truly wondrous! A gentle reminder - that the most precious things in life cannot be built by hand or bought by man.

Please share with us what you are grateful for, what you have experienced in your life from living with a thankful heart, we would like to hear from you.



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