You must have heard this so many times before… the word “Gratitude” which is pretty common these days. We can say we are grateful for things in our lives, but do we live in gratitude? In my video below, there is a example of how to incorporate your gratefulness into your lifestyle. It’s one easy method to practice each day so it becomes a habit.
Gratitude is like the cover of a book for the “Law of Attraction” – another key term we hear so much about. When people try to focus on attracting good things into their lives, I find that they encounter considerable difficulty if they have not first mastered the art of being Grateful.
A grateful mindset that you can incorporate into all your actions and relationships, can be so powerful when practiced each day. I know… you are too busy, life bungles up your mind with so many daily tasks… and on and on. Yes my friends, all that is true. BUT… If you practice this once a day for 30 days it will simply become part of you. You will see how much more easily the law of attraction will open a flood of gifts from the universe.
So you see my friends, it is quite simple. Just take that one moment when you first awake. Stretch and find one simple thing you are grateful for at that moment. You can also go down a list of the many gifts you have in your life. You do have such a list, you know! This will help you keep mindful of all the goodness around you.
You may hear that alarm clock ringing in the morning that provokes a knee jerk reaction to “Oh no… I have to do these 10 things before I leave the house!” But instead, take a moment, be grateful, and those 10 things you are thinking about will get done, but in peace and harmony.
Please share this post on your social sites, and leave a comment below. I’d love to hear of the experiences you’ve had with gratitude.
Donna
Twitter: Lisapatb
August 16, 2014 at 1:54 pm #
The tips which you have shared in this post are just awesome. These tips are really helpful to me and I think it should must helpful to others. I really like the style of writing this article. Your articles are always helps me a lot. Thanks for sharing this wonderful article with us. 😀
Hi Donna,
what a nice post, I start by being grateful to be connected with you and David;)
Last week I got a great advice from a mentor who showed me how to be grateful to the every little thing we do before doing it. For example being grateful to the water before we drink it, being grateful to the door of the car that allows us to enter in the car that will take us from place a to b.
By doing this we train our mind to be focused on what is, the present instead of the past or the present, a place our mind lives 65% of the time during a day.
Thanks Donna and congrats on your hair do!
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Twitter: LeslieLDenning
October 20, 2012 at 11:25 pm #
Hi Donna. I think gratitude is essential to a happy life. I count my blessings before I go to bed, and it helps me to realize that no matter how difficult a day has been, there is always something to be grateful for. Thanks for sharing this wonderful message.
Hi Leslie,
That is one good habit to have. Counting our blessings every day (at a certain time) becomes a habit. Once that happens we tend to see the glass half full! We are grateful!
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Power Of NO
Gratitude makes your day, it can make any day, any week, any month, any lifetime. it is the one constant in our lives that can create huge amounts of wonderment in its path when we practice it.
Expressing our gratitude first thing in the morning sets the tone for our entire day. It is quite simply one of the very best things we can do for ourselves.
It’s kind of like, by sending gratitude out in front of us into the world, our days become ever so much more wonderful. Thank you for sharing this post with us today.
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Thank you Michael!
I find that this little ritual opens the door to a positive energy to start the day. I have been doing it for so long, I cannot remember when I even started it.
It is like waking up on the right side of bed lol!
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Is Your Home Office Like A 19th Century Factory?
Hey Donna –
Well,as you certainly can imagine, you’ve hit on a key topic for me with this one! Living with a sense of gratitude is where it all begins. If we are not grateful for what we have, then we certainly can’t expect to be grateful for things that may come into our lives in the future. For those who don’t think they have anything to be grateful for, I’m reminded of what a friend of mine in DC used to say, “Every day above the dirt is a good day!”. Like you, I try to start out my day by doing exactly what you suggest. Before I even pull the covers off, I lie still for just a minute and say thank you for the day that is ahead and think of one specific thing for which I’m grateful. It’s a wonderful exercise and really sets a positive tone for the rest of the day. Thanks for sharing this most important subject, my friend!
Steve Vernon recently posted..What is the Connection Between Spirituality and Your Success
Hi Steve,
As we met many times on this subject, I know you are well aware of Gratitude. As you say “Living with a sense of gratitude is where it all begins.” Is so true!!!
Those moments before we shake those covers off count so much when we acknowledge being grateful.
Keep on keeping on my friend
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Is Your Home Office Like A 19th Century Factory?
Hi Donna-
I have definitely found that incorporating a daily ritual of focusing on an attitude of gratitude totally opens the doors to the LOA kingdom.
This past Tuesday night at my local LOA group, I was sharing the practice of Ho’oponopono with my friends, “I’m sorry, please forgive me, thanks you, I love You”, and I said that we can even shorten that up and just say, “I Love You”, When… one of my dear friends and mentors said, “Hold It. If we don’t start with Thank You, we just might be missing the boat.” So, thank you for reinforcing that amazing truth, Donna.
I am so grateful for you wisdom, leadership and friendship,
David H. Paul
the Follow Your Bliss Guy
David Paul recently posted..How to Create and Organized Plan for Success
Your words are so kind and flattering my friend!
I know you are the leader of the LOA! Words coming from you count so much and is much appreciated.
I do believe that as we have those keys to that LOA kingdom, we must keep on teaching it.
You my friend, are one of the best teachers I know on this subject!
I am grateful
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Is Your Home Office Like A 19th Century Factory?
Donna,
Gratitude.. you did a great ob to explain so gracefully what it is al about… and I like to plus it a little if you do not mind… it is something that I could not even think about a few years a go.. but now it is as natural as ever.
What it is you may say? It is simple.. are you able to be Grateful for everything? Even the unpleasant things that come along in your life… you may have your own answer and that is fine, mine is yes… I amgrateful for evrything, good and not so good, because I finally got to know that when non pleasant one come along they are there to teach me something that I may have missed and unless the unpleaant come along, I would never know and so I would continue life as blindfolded.
Thanks so much for al you share with all of us.
nickc
Nick Catricala recently posted..Humble Power in Simplicity — it’s a beautiful thing.
Hi Nick,
Yes, even those unpleasant things that come along. Of course I have to see my way through them, but somewhere inside I know there is a lesson.
A little time passes and I “get the lesson!” Even when it comes to a health issue. I take it as a sign that my body is telling me “Donna…you need to pay attention to what you are eating!”
I am grateful for things all the time, even the unpleasant because I know how life works. Well, at least for me. If it is a unpleasant thing, I bounce up with a good lesson, even a change in my lifestyle.
Thank you Nick for visiting,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Is Your Home Office Like A 19th Century Factory?
Twitter: marquitaherald
October 13, 2012 at 2:35 pm #
Thanks for the inspiration Donna. I think on some level most people understand the importance of gratitude; they just lose site of that from time to time as a result of the noise and stress of daily living. This reminds me of a note I received from a reader recently – she’d just purchased my motivational quote book from Amazon and her message was short but sweet – “I have been thinking a lot lately about how much my life sucks, but this has helped me to see I’m not alone in my feelings and I’ve just been making myself more unhappy by only thinking about the bad stuff. Thank you!”
marquita herald recently posted..Who Do You Think You Are?
What a beautiful note Marquita!
I love feedback. I get it from my clients so many times. And that I am grateful for because it shows me that I have in some way touched another person’s life. I helped in giving a little push toward growth.
That is so awesome.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Living Gratitude
Twitter: usmile
October 13, 2012 at 9:13 am #
I am grateful for so many things Donna. Sometimes I cry when I sit and think about it. These are not sad tears, but happy tears. It\\\’s in these moments I feel so connected with life… so gratitude is powerful. Thank you for sharing my friend
Awww Lesly,
I know that feeling quite well. Sometimes it can bring us tears of joy.
Thank you so much for sharing.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Living Gratitude
Twitter: saraharrow
October 13, 2012 at 8:52 am #
Thanks for sharing the video and your message about gratitude. I love the suggestion for finding a simple thing to be grateful for, it’s a simple and effective starting place.
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Hi Sarah,
Yes, It starts off with the simple things. When you think of all the little things we don’t even give a thought to throughout the day, it adds up. Adding them all up will bring one to a realization of gratitude.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Living Gratitude
Donna,
I carry Gratitude in my pocket with me every day. It’s right from The Secret. I found a wonderfully irridescent and polished stone to serve as my Gratitude Rock. It works. Everyday when I put it in my pocket in the morning and return it to it’s resting place in the evening I remember to be grateful for what I have, what the day has provided, what blessing have been bestowed upon me. My days are abundant and my nights are restful.
I am grateful for you!
RICK
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Hi Rick,
Good to see you back! What a wonderful share about your Gratitude Rock! I always think that people need some sort of reminder … a tangible object that we can use as a ritual to remind ourselves of something.
I used to work with “magic candles” a long time ago to teach people to “remember” to light that candle each day for whatever intention they were working on. No matter how hard I explained to them that it wasn’t the candle it was them…they came back to buy some more. Oh well…at least they were reaching their goals even if they refused to believe they were doing it themselves. Eventually some did!
I am so happy that your days are abundant and nights are restful.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Living Gratitude
Donna: I am I am very grateful for my 2 great sons, and my mother who lived until she was 93 years of age and passed away this last spring. I definitely believe in the spirit world since the passing of my father almost 24 years ago. I know that they are all around me and always watching out for me. I will share a small story with you, is one day just this week I was doing something by the dish strain and I said something that apparently my mother really didn\’t like, or maybe agreed with because one of the dishes in the dish strainer tipped backwards all on its own as I watched. Normally I can just feel things this is the first time that I actually saw something move on its own. What an experience. Thanks Mom! Julia W.
Thanks so much Julia for sharing your experience.
I am so used to those things happening because that is my primary business…I’m a psychic! I am in touch with the spirit world all the time. Heck, sometimes I rather communicate with my angels rather than people he he.
I believe that everyone has the ability to feel and see “things.” Keep on doing it! Give yourself permission to. It is amazing and you will always find a parking space lol
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Living Gratitude
Thank you Donna, you have just reminded me of a book I
purchased about 6 months ago, and I have not read it yet.
Time to pull it out!
It is called 365 Thank Yous “The year a simple act of daily gratitude changed my life” by John Kralik
It’s about not focusing on what you don’t have, and being grateful for what you do have.
He wrote thank you notes and sent gifts for 365 days, to people in his life now and in the past, anyone that ever showed him some kindness.
Now that is powerful. Thanks for the reminder.
Alice
Alice recently posted..Is Your Attitude Killing Your Business
Sounds great Alice!
Never think about what you don’t have…always think about what you do have and will have. That’s the only way to go forward! The 365 Thank Yous sounds like a great way to start each day. It sounds Powerful!!!!
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Living Gratitude
Love it. What a perfect, uplifting message. Gratitude is something we need to do on more than just Thanksgiving! It’s an attitude and a way of life. Taking a moment to be grateful can change the outlook of an entire day. I think for a lot of people they confuse gratitude with the cliche of “counting your blessings” which can sometimes be trite. People say that to us when we’re miserable and they want to be positive. But gratitude is about appreciating life and the things in it – all things, any things, big and small, every day. It’s not about whitewashing over a bad time. Thanks for inspiring, Donna!
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Hi Carol Lynn
Thanks for your awesome input. Yes, living a life with gratitude will uplift your spirit. One can always find the smallest thing to be grateful for. I had to wake up too early today for a doctors appointment…I’m not a morning person. I was grumpy. But I looked at one beautiful golden tree and was grateful for seeing that. It turned my day around, even if I did have to wait for coffee!
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Living Gratitude
Hello Donna
Oh so true! We all need to remind ourselves of this from time to time too. When something awful happens to someone we know how many times do we think we are lucky. We need to feel luck before we hear of awfulness! 🙂
Hi Sadie!
Funny you should mention luck. I just seen an old film noir about a man who did good deeds for luck. Long story short, he realized that his good deeds had to come from his heart and not for luck. Then he got lucky and married the great gal in the end.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Living Gratitude
I think being grateful is a really hard think to do (because, in the core, we all are selfish to an extent). But, like you said, Donna, it isn’t hard or impossible 😉
I am grateful for my life (but, I don’t think I have expressed that – at least to myself, maybe I should; it might help to increase my self-esteem and self-confidence).
But, I have practiced several things that are related, like mistakes that I commit, I tell myself that mistakes happen for a reason (Well, some mistakes don’t; they can’t be explained logically).
The mistakes help me to teach myself (get better), and therefore I should be grateful for it (I doubt whether I say I am grateful, but I am positive about my mistakes – I like them, even though I kind of hate myself for the first few seconds after I consciously realize the mistake).
Appreciate the post and video, Donna! Hope everything is going well!
Hi Jeevan,
Thanks for your honesty! Once you open your mindset to gratefulness you will be surprised how many little things occur in your life that you might not be aware of. Practicing being grateful for little things kind of refreshes you.
As for mistakes? My dad used to say “that’s why they put erasers on pencils.” We are human and will make many mistakes. As long as we learn from them, it is fine. Hey, I’m sure you fell many times before you started walking.
And as you mentioned above that you think in the core we are all selfish to an extent…hmmmm That to me is questionable because we are put on this planet for only one thing. To love. Think about it and it may turn your head around.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Living Gratitude
😀
Learning is important, but more important is not committing the same mistake 😉 (some people unfortunately do!).
Now, I don’t mean everyone is “Selfish” (but, we all have the quality in us – in different measures. I believe that honest people have more kindness in them than their selfishness – that’s why they are honest).
Now, we could also think about selfishness from a good perspective – it can help us to achieve things; just like a motivator so that we can be arrogant (it’s not really positive, but from a personal standpoint, it could be).
Hey Donna
I wake up sometimes in the morning and wonder what’s hit me from the day before. It’s certainly a full on life looking after my kids!
I love that before you get out of bed you start the day with a grateful mindset. It creates such a positive start to the day.
I’m going to try this in the morning and see how it changes my day.
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful message.
Tim Bonner recently posted..Do You Have A Disaster Recovery Plan?
Hey Tim,
Yes…give it a try until it becomes a habit. You will be surprised how it can have an effect on your entire day. Instead of rushing up to get things going, take five!
Let me know how you are doing with it.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Living Gratitude
I always like to set the alarm for a few minutes BEFORE I have to get up. As soon as my feet hit the floor, (like you) I say a prayer seated on the bed. I pray for people in my life and thank God for the wonderful blessings He has given me.
I also try to find time during the day to sit and reflect on my blessings, on my life and on positive things.
The shower time (you mentioned) is also great because you’re captive in one place.
Anne recently posted..Difference Between Dunno and Donut
Oh that is so great to hear Anne.
To know that someone does the exact same thing as I do.
Blessings,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Living Gratitude
Twitter: maryjstephenson
October 10, 2012 at 10:52 pm #
Hi Donna
Love your video, right we did wake up this morning! I have been writing down 5 things to grateful for at the end of the day, just before I pop into bed. But if I feel a little down during the day I stop and take a deep breath. Then remember all the things I have to be grateful for, like not having to go to the job I hated, being able to go for a walk instead. Grateful I can spend the days with my cats. Grateful for the opportunity to be creativity. I beginning to understand more of being grateful and how it really change your life.
Mary
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AWESOME Mary!
I like how you are grateful that you can spend time with your cats! I’m always grateful that I can work from my own home with my 3 dogs laying by my side.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Living Gratitude
Twitter: sylvianenuccio
October 10, 2012 at 3:09 pm #
Hi Donna,
Great reminder for people here. I actually practice gratefulness for a few years now. Since we are creatures of habits, the best thing we can do to “remember” to be grateful is to take a habit of doing it. I am now on a subconscious reflex to be grateful as soon as I open my eyes in the morning, and in puts me in the right mood while it reminds me of all the things I should be grateful for.
Another time of the day that I say thanks to the Universe and God is when I go for my walks in the park. I repeat words of gratefulness over and over as I am walking and running, sometimes up to 30 minutes at a time.
Great post and video, Donna 🙂
Sylviane Nuccio recently posted..What Is The Law Of Allowing And What Does It Do For You?
Hi Sylviane,
I know how well you work with people. Also how you are so wonderful working on subconscious issues.
I totally agree that once we “remember” to be grateful, and say it during the day, eventually it goes right into the subconscious. And THAT’S when it really kicks in.
Thanks
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Living Gratitude
Twitter: AdrienneSmith40
October 10, 2012 at 1:05 pm #
I so agree with you Donna and I do the same thing. I do get up and get dressed though but as I take Kayla out for her morning business I thank God for each new day as well as a list of things, people, circumstances, etc.
People take this for granted but let’s face it, you should be grateful that you’re alive. For those that have their health, think about all those who don’t. Thank God for all the little things and more of the wonderful things will start showing up in your life too.
But as you said, you have to mean it. Don’t let them be empty words.
You know how I feel about this subject, I’m just truly blessed. I can’t thank God enough Donna. One thing though, I give it my all.
~Adrienne
Adrienne recently posted..The 3 Most Important Tasks
I know you well Adrienne and do know that you do it from your heart. That’s the difference. Some people just say the words, but as you said, as you walk your dog, you are truly grateful from your heart.
This is why you are so loved my friend!
Donna Merrill recently posted..Living Gratitude
Hi Donna
Love this post about Gratitude. We are so busy getting things done and working our way through our to do lists that we rarely take the time to be grateful for what we have in our lives and yet, as you say, it can have a profound effect on our lives.
I went through the process a while ago of writing down every evening before going to to bed, 3 good things that had happened in my day. It helps you focus on the positive in your life, which in turn attracts more positive things. I got out of the habit of doing that, but I like your idea of being grateful for something before you get up or whilst in the shower.
Thank you for this inspirational post Donna.
Louise
Louise recently posted..How To Increase Traffic To Your Blog With Blog Commenting – Part 4
Hi Louise,
Good to know that you found this helpful. I know how easy it is to forget our well intention habits. That’s why I like to incorporate an affirmation, or any other positive thing I am working on with a daily task….so I don’t forget he he
Donna Merrill recently posted..Living Gratitude
Twitter: Lisapatb
October 10, 2012 at 6:39 am #
Great video Donna, I could really relate to the part of about thinking in the shower – my favorite place to think and reflect. This post is a great reminder to be grateful every day and to make it part of your routine.
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Hey Lisa,
I’m a shower person too! I cleanse my chakras every morning in the shower. I’ve been doing it since the late 1970’s and it takes me moments to do now.
Hey, Practice Makes Perfect!
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Living Gratitude
Hi Donna,
‘Gratitude is the way to go’ I have heard this many times & to be honest I am grateful for many things in my life.
I do think about the things I am grateful for, but never made it a habit. I remember in the movie secret one of them explain how he start the day with gratitude. You are right, it is so powerful.
You made me think why I did not incorporate to my morning ritual? Anyway, never late than ever I guess.
Thanks for sharing
Damayanthi
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Hi Damayanthi,
I find that when we incorporate little things like gratitude in our daily routine, we become more mindful. It becomes a habit. I am sure we are grateful during the day, but it is a passing moment and not a reflection.
When we reflect for only a few minutes, it does open up many doors.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Living Gratitude
Hello Donna, Gratitude is a fantastic word. This reminded me of a min. with Maxwell. You did a great Job. I agree with you totally, we all need to take a min. each day and relax our mind from all issues and duties. I enjoyed reading and listening to this artical.
Thank you Carol
Glad you enjoyed it. Sometimes one minute can change your entire day!
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Living Gratitude
Twitter: MayuraDeSilva
October 10, 2012 at 12:39 am #
Hi Donna,
Welcome back after the vacation dear 😉
I think this is a good message to spread around. Being satisfied with what we already have and grateful for having them in our lives 🙂
Mmm… I’m not thinking about it right before getting out from the bed everday, but tend to grateful as my day goes on, as I can. May be not for everything, but grateful for what I’ve got in my life. I remember some days I’m feeling gratefulness when I wake up and my days become more nourishing and motivated. Never thought about making it happen 🙂
I may follow your advice from the next time and feel it myself 🙂 I believe it will definitely open up for more energy.
Thanks for sharing about it Donna 🙂 I’m grateful to you.
Have a Great Week…
Cheers…
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Hi Mayura,
It is great to be back…I’m grateful for that too! I’m happy to see that you are such a grateful person by nature. If gratefulness becomes part of our routine, or if it is in our hearts all during the day like you mentioned, things start opening up. Just be mindful of that and see the signs.
I am grateful that we are friends!
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Living Gratitude
Twitter: harleenas
October 9, 2012 at 11:58 pm #
Loved the post Donna!
Nice seeing you in the video and that’s an awesome color of your hair too 🙂
Yes indeed, being grateful is something that most of us aren’t really able to incorporate into our daily lives. It’s something that needs to become a habit as we learn to appreciate life’s precious moments.
We can be grateful for the smallest of things – just the fact that we are alive, have our kids and family with us, or the feel of fresh air, just as you mentioned. The list is endless…provided we are willing to appreciate what we have and be grateful for it. 🙂
You are absolutely right…we do things every day but those are routine and we don’t really connect gratitude to those, when we should. I guess it helps a great deal when you start building on the habit by making an effort at first to list down things or voice out what you are grateful for daily…just a few things, and with time they do become part of our lives.
Thanks for sharing and making us realize that we all need to be grateful. 🙂
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I totally agree Harleena!
Sometimes the smallest things are the ones we need to be so grateful for. One of the “little things” that I’m grateful for in my marriage is that David makes me coffee each morning since I met him. It may sound trife, but it is such an act of kindness! He noticed that about me when we met. I need my coffee before I can communicate lol.
That is worth more than any diamond ring, or material object. I am grateful for that one simple action that he does for me each day. Of course I am grateful for him too!
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Living Gratitude
Twitter: suejprice
October 9, 2012 at 7:40 pm #
Hi Donna
I love this post and your video with such an important message.
I used to write in a gratitude journal each morning and then got out of the habit. I like the idea you suggest of doing it before you get out of bed. I recently wrote out 100 things I am grateful for and it was very easy.
Yes Gratitude and Law of Attraction seem to be terms we see everywhere now.
Thanks Donna
Sue
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Hi Sue,
A journal is so wonderful to work on. I’m sure you have a long list of things you are grateful for. I know this from just knowing you and all the blessings that surround your life.
I like to incorporate things like this so I can keep it up Gratitude in the morning, cleansing my chakras in the shower, praying at 3 in the afternoon. On and On I go. So it becomes part of my routine and can be associated with daily tasks.
It just works for me.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Living Gratitude
I agree that experiencing gratitude…really living it as you say…is key to having so many good things flow into your life. Over the years I have had different gratitude practices in my life…lately though it has slipped out of my focus. Thanks for the reminder. I’m going to make it front and center again.
Celeste Smucker recently posted..Mind Blowing Study of Athletic Performance
Sometimes that mindset of gratitude does take a back seat Celeste. It happens to all of us. That’s why I wrote this quick reminder about it. Good to know you are making it front and center again.
Keep me posted of all that good energy flow that will follow.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Living Gratitude