A thankful heart sometimes takes a mindset shift.
Gratitude is more than just a fleeting feeling; it’s a way of life that can transform our daily experiences.
Connie Sokol shared how we can cultivate a thankful heart and live with gratitude every day.
Here are four principles of gratitude, illustrated through the inspiring stories of four remarkable women.
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Gratitude as a Way of Life
Gratitude isn’t just a spiritual gift; it’s a skill we can develop. Connie emphasized, “The more we understand the power and impact of gratitude, the more we’ll assign value to it, and it starts to change us.” By making gratitude our default, we can become truly grateful people.
Awareness: Wendy Osborne’s Story
Wendy Osborne, the owner of Tabitha’s Way, exemplifies the principle of awareness. Connie recalled a moment with Wendy: “We were both asked to be on a TV show… Wendy’s sitting next to me on the couch and all of a sudden I hear her go, ‘Does she need help?’ and she’s already off the couch.” Wendy’s ability to be aware of others and act on it demonstrates how awareness fosters gratitude.
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Gratitude as a Muscle
Gratitude is like a muscle that needs regular exercise. Connie shared the story of Laura Scheider, an artist and owner of Artisan Co., who faced ten years of IVF treatments and the challenges of raising a daughter with severe developmental delays. Laura’s father told her, “It’s not about you. This is about Emmy and her journey, and you get to be a part of it.” This perspective shift helped Laura see her experiences as opportunities to train her gratitude muscle.
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Gratitude as a Habit
Stephanie Trainor, the owner of Tiny Teachers, integrates gratitude into her daily routine. She uses the time she spends putting on makeup to think of one thing she’s grateful for about each family member. “As I’m putting on my makeup, I’m thinking of each person and one thing, and now it’s a habit every day,” Stephanie explained. This practice ensures that her family receives daily affirmations of gratitude.
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Gratitude in Difficult Times
Using a gratitude lens during tough times can be transformative. Taylor Thurgood, who has faced numerous personal and family health challenges, was advised by her therapist to undertake a one-week gratitude challenge. The rule was not to repeat any gratitude items. Taylor found that this deepened her sense of gratitude, helping her to live in a state of thankfulness despite her circumstances.
By incorporating these principles into our lives, we can develop a thankful heart and experience the profound benefits of living with gratitude. Connie Sokol reminded us, “Gratitude is the hub, the catalyst of all other good things of healing and joy and purpose and happiness.”
Connect with Connie on her website, conniesokol.com.
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