"The antidote for lack is gratitude. Gratitude is a choice, an attitude, an approach towards life. My gratitude for this moment does not depend on what is going on in this moment; it is the moment, regardless of what is going on, that I am grateful for." 
  ~ John-Roger ~

GRATITUDE IS GOOD

It's not Thanksgiving, the day where we take time to pause and choose gratitude for the bounty of the harvest and the blessings abundant in our lives. But, it IS today. Today is as good a day as any to pause and reflect on what is Good in our lives. Good, rich, full, satisfying and loving.

Researchers who study gratitude have found out that gratitude is good for you, really good for you.

* In an experimental comparison, people who kept gratitude journals on a weekly basis exercised more regularly, reported fewer physical symptoms, felt better about their lives as a whole, and were more optimistic about the upcoming week, compared to those who recorded hassles or neutral life events (Emmons & McCullough, 2003).

Additionally, participants who kept gratitude lists were more likely to have made progress toward important personal goals (academic, interpersonal and health-based).*

What if we lived in a world where folks were grateful for all that was good and kind and working? I wonder if we would be less easily persuaded to buy things we don't need because we'd be happy with what we have.

We create happiness for what we have by cultivating gratitude. We choose to focus our attention on the good that is already present in the moment, choosing to be grateful that we have the opportunity to live this moment.

Focusing our attention impacts our brain structure. Whatever we focus on will stimulate the brain chemistry and promote growth in the area of attention.

"Attention density” is the term used for focusing concentration. It is now well accepted that wherever you place your attention is where the neural tissue grows. As true for thought patterns of fear, hate and phobia as it is for peace, love and connection. More neural tissue, easier, more intensive firing.

So if you want to get better on creating abundance, focus on the gifts, the abundance, the joys, the goodness in your life. Cultivate an attitude of gratitude, and you will grow neural tissue to support you in creating that which you focus upon.

Gratitude is one of the most powerful resources we have. And it’s free. These days that's a good thing.

* excerpted from an article on gratitude by Drs. Blair and Rita Justice

A DEAL AT TWICE THE COST

In November, Russ Schoen and I did a teleClass called:

"WHAT! So What. Now What?"

It was recorded and is available for download. During the 90 minute class we gave a ton of information to help you get out of fear, doubt, and worry -- and instead harness the opportunities present to thrive more than ever!

To audio comes with a 20 page Action Guide and is available for only $15. To find out more go here:

QUICK LINKS:

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Copyright 2009 by Leslie Karen Sann, Living by Design
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leslie@living-bydesign.com

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Copyright 2009 by Leslie Karen Sann,
Living by Design. All rights reserved. 
Web site. http://www.living-bydesign.com