The Gratitude Attitude

Gratitude begins with attitude. There is little in this life that is perfect. You can't wait around for the perfect moment, the perfect time, the perfect circumstances, the perfect income, the perfect weight and so forth. You have to start somewhere.

Anywhere will do.

You have to replenish yourself. You have to care for yourself. You have to block out all the unwanted noise, savor the breath between while embracing and channeling the power gained from it. Small breaths. Small steps. Small tasks, even if that simply means mustering the energy to get out of bed in the morning at some point in the day.

Friends, family, coworkers, professionals - a support system helps. Things like music, nature, art and other people inspire.

Ultimately, change and harnessing the power of energy is up to you: A sovereign being, reigning supreme over your very own life.

There will always be someone who has it worse and someone who has it better. No need to mind them. Stay in your lane. Work on yourself. Assemble and call forth your innate strength and free will to do what intuitively is calling you to movement, to give pause to the moment, to take a small step towards something you know is good and right for you.

Caring for yourself without bitter selfishness towards others to boost your own ego is one of the most genuine ways to look in the mirror and be at peace.

A peaceful sunset over a barren field after harvest at Rustic Vista.

Now that we realize empowerment is key and that we are accountably and responsibly in our own hands, let us speak plainly on the gratitude attitude.

Attitude: The way you feel about something, or even someone.

Gratitude: Feeling thankful.

Feeling thankful for something or someone.

The Gratitude Attitude.

We are reminded to practice it during November when we celebrate the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday here in the United States when in truth, the gratitude attitude can and should be practiced well beyond one month. You can challenge yourself to post on your social media or write in a journal what you are thankful for every day, reminding yourself that there are a great many things to mindfully acknowledge. Better yet, put it into practice.

Mine tend to be simple or profoundly spiritual things or reflections. I often find one in the other. Others may linger over more intense subject matter framed by what is happening in the wide world beyond their own borders. Some may be bogged down by disappointment, struggle or anger and clawing desperately to get out and find gratitude in lessons learned, accomplishment and joy.

Whatever your methodology or practice, be mindful of appreciation for small things if you are uncomfortable but want to get started in this practice for even the smallest things can inspire big actions and movement. They don't have to be like the plot twist of a movie or book because stillness and reflection, small movements or big, are all something that is particular to your own experience.

You may find a great many unexpected things in beginning this small month's journey as well.

Movement. Growth. Evolution.

Fulfillment. Satisfaction. Acceptance. Peace.

Choose gratitude. Choose to actively participate, if only mentally and emotionally. Find your own brand of comfort with it.

Choose happiness, if only for a few moments of reflection.

The Gratitude Attitude is within your power and solely on your own shoulders to muster and master, manage or stumble through if you make the choice to simply being.