GRATITUDE Actively practicing gratitude is one way we can promote attitude adjustment. Instead of taking for granted the many blessing in our lives, we a make a point to mentally acknowledge them until doing so becomes a habit. Writing them down in a “gratitude list” and then reading the list to our sponsor or sharing it with other Al-Anon members helps us realize that there are many things in our lives for which we are truly grateful. In times of distress, we may see little for which to be thankful, but if we make the effort, we are certain to find a few and thereby shed some light on an otherwise dreary view. Sometimes it helps to start with our most basic or immediate needs - food on the table, a roof over our head, and clothing. We may then find that we are grateful for more modest incidents and gestures - kind words, Al-Anon friends, a bit of humor in an otherwise serious situation, a moment of serenity, or an indication that we are beginning to heal. Gratitude enables us to savor the unrecognized good that surrounds us, no matter what the circumstances. As we become accustomed to noticing the positive aspects of our lives, we begin to recognize small, subtle gifts and cloaked opportunities when they appear in our day-to-day experience. Eventually, as we continue to practice, we actually do find something to be grateful for, even in painful or difficult situations. We replace our victim mentality with an attitude of gratitude. Instead of feeling drained, overwhelmed, and stressed by the circumstances we encounter, we begin to feel empowered and capable of coping, even flourishing, because we have learned that our Higher Power can use every situation, every relationship, every experience to enhance our lives and foster strength, faith and personal growth. Thus, everyone and everything has a special gift to offer us. We need only open our eyes to see it all.
Posted on: Mon, 05 Aug 2013 20:57:46 +0000
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