Gratitude: A Tool to Improve Your Life

By Amy Arvary, Crothers Consulting
November offers time to pause before the last month of the year. A month to focus on giving thanks. Gratitude, which in my professional and personal opinion, is the most life changing, positivity-bringing, easiest way of immediately improving your life. It requires no money, no material possessions, no formal education, no political perspective.  It's free and only improves your life in many ways - physically, mentally, socially, professionally, romantically, creatively…

Gratitude heals. It helps us find alignment with what we desire instead of what we fear. It is the direct route to feeling better.  It works immediately and with practice it becomes an automatic response and then a life perspective. Imagine that. Imagine moving through your day experiencing things in a way that allows you to feel that feeling of gratitude.  It feels good.  You know that feeling?  It allows you to see the world - to experience the world in more of an “it’s happening for me” mindset than a “why is this happening to me” mindset. This changes the whole experience.

When I was beginning my journey out of darkness I had to face all of those things I hated about myself, forgive myself for all of the things I shouldn't have done and all of the things I did and I shouldn't have. I had to let go of guilt and shame and feelings of insecurity and fear.  Doing this isn't easy.  Know what makes it easier?  Gratitude.

I learned that gratitude is a tool. I learned that we can’t feel two things at the same time - we can certainly fluctuate but we provide a feeling to each moment. Gratitude is the light that can pull you out of darkness.  It can inspire you and better align you with those things you desire to have, be, overcome or experience.

Something else about gratitude?  You can share it with others.  How do you express your gratitude?  Think of the people and the places and the material things that add to your daily life experience.  Give thanks.  Pass that feeling.
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Here are some adjustments to practice during the month.  Allow them to override your fear. Watch them strengthen your confidence. This is your life. I am sending gratitude for sharing these moments with me.