Gratitude Kills

Joy is a function of gratitude, and gratitude is a function of perspective. I don’t need to change my life so much as I need to change my perspective to see all of the good.

Ann Voskamp

I’m typing this up the day before our holiday of thankfulness. As I type, I’m reclining on an unreasonably comfortable couch, covered by a soft fleece Veggie Tales blanket, taking frequent breaks to sip my steaming coffee out of a handmade mug my cousin bought me for Christmas two years ago. My house is quiet and peaceful, with the soothing sound of trains passing in the distance, the heat is on and the lights work and I have nowhere to be for hours. Tomorrow, my friends are coming over to eat good food and laugh and just be together.

But I’m stressed. Seriously. I’m sitting here, feeling stressed about getting my to-do list done, about writing a blog post worth reading, about whether or not I remembered to buy everything from the grocery store last night since I’m hosting the big meal tomorrow. I feel annoyed that my coffee is getting cold. I feel mildly hungry and I don’t want to get up and make myself some food. I feel anxious that I am disappointing my family by not traveling to see them this week. I feel…….negatives.

How is it possible that both those paragraphs are true? I have everything I need. I have friends and family who love me. I have comforts far beyond most of the world’s population. And yet I feel anxiety and stress and insecurity.

I have not been practicing gratitude. Gratitude kills fear and anxiety. Gratitude kills worry and insecurity. Gratitude kills entitlement.

Because once you notice something and purposely voice gratitude for that thing (or person or situation) you become aware that you don’t deserve it. You realize that you have what you need. That even if you lose that thing, you had it for a moment, and that brings you joy.

So, my friends, this holiday of thankfulness, would you join me in practicing gratitude? I’m going to make a list of the many things I’m grateful for, and let that gratitude kill all my negatives along the way.

My first three items:
1) Warm socks when the floor is cold
2) Friends to spend this holiday with
3) Leftover pizza

What are you grateful for today?