Embrace the Power of Gratitude

“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart,

 it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.”
― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

Whether we consider our hearts, our significance or our prosperity to be big or small, we all have a limitless capacity to express gratitude for the good in our lives.

The act of saying thank you is infused with power. When we say thanks, we shift our perspective, replacing feelings of lack with appreciation for what we have. That subtle shift can turn worry into peace of mind, confusion into clarity, frustration into resolve.

And gratitude attracts even more good into our lives!

"When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you."

— Lao Tzu

I've been keeping a gratitude journal for several years now. It helps keep my thoughts and feelings focused on the good, the positive and the possible. Admittedly, when life events make me feel helpless or hopeless, it can be a challenge to pick up my pen. But that is when I most need to shift my perspective. That is when the momentum I've created with a daily gratitude practice helps me take conscious action and write what I am thankful for despite conditions and circumstances. 

At this time of year, the American holiday of Thanksgiving magnetizes my awareness of the rich blessings in my life. In honor of this special season, I created my fun and meaningful 14:14 Gratitude Challenge. You're welcome to take on this challenge too. Here's how it goes:

• During the two weeks (14 days) leading up to Thanksgiving, list at least 14 things every day that you are grateful for. (If you missed the first days, just start where you are and write down 14 blessings every day.)
• By Thanksgiving, you will have 14 x 14 gratitudes. That's a total of 196!
• On Thanksgiving Day (November 22, 2012), acknowledge and celebrate the good in your life by reading each of those gratitudes out loud.
• Reflect on the two weeks since you began the 14:14 Gratitude Challenge. What shifts have you noticed in how you think and feel? What unexpected gifts and opportunities have shown up?

I love both the daily process of the 14:14 Gratitude Challenge and the finale's celebration. Most of all, I'm delightfully curious about what my review of those 196 thank you's will reveal to me!

Check back after Thanksgiving and I'll fill you in!