Practice Gratitude in times of Darkness

I am a firm believer in the power of Gratitude.  I also hate winter - shivering, cold, dark winter.

My attitude of gratitude is strongest during the winter.  It is what keeps me smiling and looking forward.  It is a blessing to be able to look outside and be grateful.  Otherwise, I would probably get labelled with some debillitating dis-ease.

In times of Darkness, there is always something to be grateful for. Period.

Winter is long in Canada and cold.  Yesterday it was -34C.  Only a short walk with the dog because the ground is too cold for his feet.  As we walked in the bitter cold, I chose to focus on what I was grateful for.  This is what I discovered:

• the bright blue sky. It was stunning.
• my leg warmers.  Last minute addition but they allowed me to climb snow banks and not get snow in my boots!
• hot chocolate.  Yummy.  Looking forward to a big cup at home.
• smiles. Even though it was freezing, I met others and we would share a smile and a frosty Hi.
• crunchy snow.  I love the sound.  

By choosing to focus on things I'm grateful for, I actually enjoyed my winter walk.

Gratitude is about finding the smallest hint of good in the bad.  Turning the negative into a positive.  Finding a hint of blue among the darkness.

Start turning the darkness into light.  Focus on what you are grateful for.  Include things you take for granted - walking, talking, health, love, a home, heat, food.

One act of gratitude today will have a positive impact.  One act of gratitude will grow into two and then three and then several.

Practice.  When you are challenged, think about something you are grateful for - going home, a delicious dinner, the sunshine.  You'll smile and your challenge will seem easier to handle.

Winter is here for a while.  I will hold onto my Attitude of Gratitude to lessen the challenge of the darkness and the bitter cold.

About Susan Ball:  Susan inspires her clients to live the life of their dreams with passion, joy, and love. Susan is an experienced international Life Coach helping people discover and live their ideal life through NLP, Mindfulness, and G.R.A.C.E.

Learn more about Susan by visiting her Online, on Facebook