What would happen if we made a conscious effort to live in a world without complaining? What if we forced ourselves to find something, in every situation, to be thankful for and be grateful.
An old saying is: "In Everything Give Thanks…"
so this idea is not new. However, it is something that we don't do from the day one. People tend to find things to complain which very much easier than to find things to be happy for. The weather is too hot, too cold, too dry, and too rainy–we could go on and on. Most famous saying is "I cannot do it, I am not clever .. I cannot be rich, I earn less"
The authors of "Living Life as a Thank You" propose that you should look each day for something that you are thankful for. If there is a foot of snow outside and you are sick of winter, you could try being thankful for the beauty of the snow because what you have now is God's gift to you. Or if you didn't get the raise you wanted, you could be thankful that you have a job. The list could go on and on forever.
Certain people, such as alcoholics, have a tendency to be depressed. Living Life as a Thank You shares the story of a man who had to make an effort every morning to push the negativity away and find the positive.
Many different stories from different types of individuals fill "Living Life as a Thank You". Some of you will relate to, some of you won't. But the theme of the book remains constant … "Be thankful". Find something good in every situation. Share your thankfulness with others. If you are thankful for a park to walk in, tell the people responsible for providing it. And maybe make an effort to pick up some of the trash others left behind.
Inside the trash are thousands of people's effort are put together to make it beautiful, be grateful.
At the end of each section is a section called "Gratitude Practice". It gives practical applications to practicing the ideas that each chapter puts into play. Some of the ideas are really good. I do have some issues with parts of the book, like the suggestion in some chapters as "imagine a higher power, and sending a blessing to a person…" and others. However, most of the ideas are right on, such as sending a card to someone, paying it forward, etc.
Living Life as a Thank You is a good book to read and to pass on. If you practice what is taught in this book, it will not only make a difference in your life, but in the lives of those around you.
The book also encouraged a shift in my thinking to appreciate all things in my life. Such perspective has been worth the purchase price. But more than a shift in thinking, I have shifted my behavior to take time to give thanks.
"Give thanks and live your life with gratitude …. your world will be a better place to in each day"
Thank you for coming here and have a star-shine life daily.
Cheers,
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PS: You can also ask any doubts or question you have in the comment box below and I personally answer you. Have a great day and nice knowing you
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Beautiful reminder, James. It always amazes me how wrapped up in complaining so many people are. I hear it every day I venture out, but thankfully, I'm hearing it less and less. People just seem to be less tolerant of it. Great discussion and analysis, absolutely – but complaining? Not so much. Thanks for this!
James, Great post. Totally about making a difference in others lives. Great post. We can never do too much to help others.
Thank you, James, for reminding us to be thankful every step along the way in life. Sometimes we get so focused on the end result, we forget to enjoy the process. But being thankful and respecting the steps that get us there are what makes that end result that much more special!
I always enjoy your gentle perspective
Thanks Amity for your comment, it gives me more inspiration to share. Have a wonderful and enjoyable day.
Thank you Carol. Nice to know you enjoy reading my post and have a great day
Victoria thanks for your comment and it also makes a lot difference in my life too. Nice knowing you