Gratitude Opens Doors

Gratitude is an attitude of the heart that can open us up to new possibilities.  When we consciously choose to focus on what is right in our world instead of what is wrong, the energy around us shifts and we begin to bring about positive change.

This is of course, not a new concept.  The Apostle Paul wrote about it in the bible: "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things".
   In 1952, Norman Vincent Peale wrote "The Power of Positive Thinking", an international bestseller which focused on developing a habit of mind that embraced daily gratitude and encouraged visualization to bring about positive change in one's life:

"When you expect the best, you release a magnetic force in your mind which 

by a law of attraction tends to bring the best to you.”
― Norman Vincent Peale 

 Numerous books and articles have been written since then about the positive effects of "an attitude of gratitude" and  research shows that it can even improve your health.  Time magazine recently published an article entitled  "7 Surprising Health Benefits of Gratitude" that documented scientific research showing that developing a grateful habit of mind can:

• Make you more patient
• Improve your relationships 
• Improve self-care 
• Help you sleep 
• Prevent overeating
• Ease depression

 So start with today...change your mind and change your heart.  Be thankful for the things you usually take for granted:  every waking breath, a heart that beats reliably and nourishes your body, your home and family. Then begin to make it a habit to look around for things to be grateful for; keep a gratitude journal; focus on the positive rather than fear the worst.  Occupy your mind with good.  To quote Norman Vincent Peale: 
“When the old fears, hates, and worries that have haunted you for so long try to edge back in, they will in effect find a sign on the door of your mind reading 'occupied'  ".