The Power of Gratitude

When my older son was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, my first reaction was relief ? I finally knew the reason for his behavior. However, I was also overwhelmed with sadness, fear and anger. I felt sorry for my son and for myself. Like many others in similar circumstances, my question to God was "Why me?"

Through the grace of God, I am now able to focus on my gratitude. I believe God chose me to raise my son because He knew that I would give him the best I have. He will teach me to love and understand him for who he is. I am grateful that I have my son, and grateful that God chose me to be his mother.

There is power and healing in gratitude.

How can gratitude help us in our everyday lives as moms? Think about the difference you can make in your family's life just by noticing and being thankful for all the great things they do. When you express gratitude, you show your love and appreciation. Everyone needs to feel these things every day. Sometimes as moms we feel that no one appreciates us ? and it is true that moms are usually last on the list to be thanked. One way you can teach gratitude is by example. Even on the days when it seems your children or husband are doing everything wrong, find a reason to thank them. Take the time and energy to look for the good. Think about the things that your family does that deserve a thank you. You might say to your husband, "Thank you for working so hard for our family," or, to your child, "I really appreciate your sense of humor ? it feels good to laugh." Expressing your gratitude helps family members to understand how it feels to be appreciated. And if they still don't catch on, let them know when you feel unappreciated. You can also tell them how great it makes you feel when they do express gratitude.

Gratitude is a wonderful motivator when you need cooperation. When enlisting the help of my two year old, I praise him often and with enthusiasm. I let him know that he is a great helper. I know I am teaching him appreciation because he expresses it to me. The other day I brought a bunch of multi-colored roses home. For five days, at least once or twice a day, my son thanked me for the flowers.

Sometimes we get so busy and caught up in daily life that we forget to be grateful. We expect everyone to do their share without being asked. The only time anyone hears anything is when a chore has not been completed. This attitude, over the long haul, will develop very resentful and uncooperative family members.

When life is good, gratitude is easy. It becomes more challenging to be grateful when we are experiencing hard times. Financial hardship, long-term illness, the death of a loved one and marital strife can all be trying and difficult. It is hard to find anything to be grateful for. But while pain is inevitable, suffering is optional. We have a choice in how we view our circumstances. We can turn our hearts to God and trust that he has a plan for us. We can be thankful for the lessons we learn and the opportunities for personal growth and transformation. Look at all the people in this world who share the gifts they received during especially difficult times of their life. It is the painful times of my life that have made me stronger, wiser, and more loving today.

I recently attended a powerful seminar on the various levels of energy that a human being emanates. The presenter identified seven different levels of energy. The first level of energy is defined by feelings of apathy and thoughts of victimization. A person at a level two energy has feelings of anger and thoughts of conflict. As a person moves up the energy scale, their feelings and thoughts are more positive. At level seven, one would experience unconditional love and no judgmental thoughts. Only God radiates at level seven. The average person emits energy at a level of 2.5. To experience peace and joy, an individual must raise his energy level to 5 or 6.

So how can we raise our energy level and open our heart to joy? One powerful way is to develop an attitude of gratitude. Look at everyone with grateful eyes. Listen to your heart and the heart of your loved ones. Speak words of affirmation every day of your life. Be grateful for your life with all its lessons and blessings. The more grateful thoughts and feelings you experience and express the more instrumental you will be in healing the world. And your outlook on life will improve in the process.

Lori Radun, certified life coach for moms. Get her FREE monthly ezine for moms who want healthier and happier lives at http://www.true2youlifecoaching.com

© 2005 True to You Life Coaching, LLC

The Four Emotions that Can Lead to Life Change

Emotions are the most powerful forces inside us. Under the... Read More

Super Mom, Wonder Woman, Energizer Mommy or Just Mom

Have you ever sat down to watch the evening news... Read More

You Can Quickly And Easily Solve Your Problems

Today I just wanted to write you a quick note... Read More

Charge Your Imagination (3)

As we progress into the year, it is necessary for... Read More

The Best Gift to Give Yourself and Others

I'm often asked the question, "How can I best help... Read More

Future Prediction

Direct Answers - Column for the week of December 13,... Read More

Do You Pay For Services Out of Obligation or Appreciation?

Have you ever paid for services rendered with a strong... Read More

Believe in Yourself!

A near middle-aged man in one of my last workshops... Read More

True Inner Guidance

It's easy to tell the difference between true inner guidance... Read More

What is My Life Purpose?

Why am I here?If you haven't already asked this question,... Read More

As A Caterpillar

"Happiness can be as elusive as a fluttering butterlfy but... Read More

The Theft of Fire

"Igne Natura Renovatur Integra" (By fire is nature renewed whole.)... Read More

Safety ? Are You OK?

Safety is an interesting concept. When we think of safety... Read More

Reach Your Dreams

About fifteen years ago I was rummaging through some old... Read More

The Spectacular You

I recently received a letter addressed to Spectacular Rachelle Lee.... Read More

When Self-Growth becomes Self-Sabotage

Many of us invest quality time and energy into our... Read More

Its Better to Give than to Receive

"It's better to give than to receive." You've probably heard... Read More

Aim High

Change is difficult for many people. Often times our whole... Read More

Beauty, Gratitude, and the Open Heart

"?beauty on your earth is a shadow of the beauty... Read More

Myth And Reality

Direct Answers - Column for the week of February 2,... Read More

How Healing The Past Empowers Your Future

Everyday I meet people who have a chronic upset that... Read More

Random Thoughts on Living Your Best Life

More things I've noticed along the way:* Our son's birthday... Read More

Is Transformation Worth the Effort?

Soaring 700 feet above the forest floor is a granite... Read More

Just One Person We All Need

I understand that all the self made people of this... Read More

What Forgiveness Is Not

Is a grudge-laden heart sabotaging your success in business and... Read More