We have been hearing about many tragic and sad stories over the last few months. With the fear and media hype about the economy, who would not be affected by all that’s happening? Center stage are comments like: “economic meltdown, economic crisis, we’re heading for another 1920s depression.” Ugh…are you sick of it yet?

I have been talking with many people that are just plain freaked out about their finances, their futures, their jobs and keeping a roof over their heads. It’s true there are some sad stories in fact you may have your own. But why did this really happen? What’s YOUR lesson to learn? Is it possible it’s time to take a good hard look at your life and how you may need to start living a more meaningful and connected life?

I ask you what really matters? Is it all the material items, the boards over our heads, the healthy financial balances in our accounts? I don’t think so; what matters are people and our relationships. So how do we start to focus on people, our relationships and living a more meaningful life?

Gratitude is a great place to start. It’s about taking the time and the thought to say thank you. It’s about being kind and gracious. Gratitude has the power to transform your relationships, circumstances and the ability to create positive momentum in your life. It can be a powerful tool in attaining some peace and leading you to the authentic life you want.

According to a recent study on gratitude by psychologists Robert Emmons and Michael McCullough, professors at University of California at Davis and University of Miami, people who regularly wrote down or contemplated what they are grateful for wound up feeling more optimistic, slept better and exercised more. Their counterparts, who wrote and focused on what upset them or how they compared to others did not have positive benefits.

How to get an attitude of gratitude:

Take a few minutes to make a list of what you are grateful for. Really look at it on paper; it’s a powerful representation of all the goodness in your life.

Before you go to sleep at night, think about what you’re grateful for from your day as well as what’s on your gratitude list. This process can also be done in the morning to kick-off a great start to your day.

Begin using language to express your gratitude. Instead of just thanking someone, tell them how grateful you are that they are in your life, be it your partner, your child, your sibling or friend. Really share your gratitude about that person and how they have helped you or impacted your life. They will just beam at hearing the appreciation and you will feel wonderful for sharing it. Share it – gratitude is contagious.

And for gosh sakes, quit watching or reading the news! Ok, minimize it for awhile. This will allow you to feel more at peace and live in the present moment.

When you are grateful and focus on the goodness in your life, you unlock the secret to feeling peace. When peace is present, you can create more in your life. Be careful of what you are grateful for, you may just get more of it.

I urge you to practice more gratitude in your life and see what unfolds for you this Holiday Season and in the New Year.

Wishing You and Your Loved Ones a Grateful and Purpose filled Holiday Season!

Warmest,

Tina Elliot, MBA, PCC
Professional Certified Coach