“There’s no happier person than a truly thankful, content person.”
—Joyce Meyer

I don’t know about you, but I love the fall. Like other seasons, it brings its own expectations and gifts. While this fall was shorter than I liked, I am still thankful for the beautiful colors and the gift of Thanksgiving. I have to say, it is one of the things I enjoy most about fall and am grateful to be able to celebrate with family and friends this coming week.

gratitude

Speaking of being giving thanks and being grateful, I recently watched a Ted Talk called, “Want to be happy? Be grateful.” David Steindl-Rast did a wonderful job of explaining the concept with perfect simplicity. Many people rush through life and often run from work, to a child’s sporting event, or this meeting or that meeting and barely take time to breath. It’s not surprising so many people find themselves stressed and out of balance.  Some may also wonder why they aren’t that happy. In this talk, Steindl-Rast explains that we need to do just 3 simple things to be happy…Stop, Look and Go!

3 Simple Ways To Be Grateful

  1. Stop—
    We often rush through life. When we take time however, to look around, it is much easier to be grateful for what we have and what is right in front of us. Take a moment to stop.We all need to slow down, get quiet and observe. This can be easier said than done, but if you get in the habit of building stops signs around you, it can be much easier.
  2. Look—
    Take a moment to look around and see what’s in front of you and around you. What do you notice? Do you see things that you maybe have never seen before? Do you notice something you knew was there, but now notice how beautiful it is? It is funny how things can look so different when we really pay attention and become aware of our surroundings. When we become aware, we can appreciate things more.
  3. Go—
    After you notice what’s around you and have brought it to your attention, you can go and appreciate what you have. Most likely, you will leave with a sense of gratitude, which naturally invokes happiness.¹

Philospoher, Wayne Dyer, tells us to “make a deliberate, conscious effort to slow yourself down by relaxing your mind. Take a little more time to enjoy your life her on this planet: Be more contemplative by noticing the stars, the clouds, the rivers, the animals, the rainstorms, and all of the natural world. And then extend the same slowed-down loving energy to all people.”² In this season of giving, among all of its busyness, I hope you take some time to slow down, enjoy the moment and extend your appreciation to others.

Thanks for reading and Happy Thanksgiving!

Barb

Source:

¹TED. “Want to Be Happy? Be Grateful | David Steindl-Rast.” YouTube, YouTube, 27 Nov. 2013, www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtBsl3j0YRQ.

²Dr. Wayne W. Dyer eNew. Wayne’s Weekly Wisdom – 12 Steps to Eliminate Your Clutter Inside and Out January 14, 2014