A key component of the journey of personal growth is gratitude.  I was reminded the other day of the story of the man who wept because he had no shoes until he met a man who had no feet.  And whether you ascribe this story to a ancient Chinese proverb, Helen Keller, or Mahatma Gandhi, the attribution does not matter, but the meaning surely does.  We must remain thankful for the things that we have in our lives and not be caught up in the comparisons to what others have or what you do not.  Gratitude is a conscious activity that we must practice daily.  it will soothe our souls and calm out minds to remember the things that we have in our lives.  Gratitude reframes our mindset to one of positivity and growth, and changes the way we interact with people in a much more positive way.  As we practice gratitude even more good things come into our lives which gives us even more to be grateful for.

I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness – it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude.  Brené Brown

Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.  Voltaire

No duty is more urgent than giving thanks.  James Allen