So maybe you’re not buying the idea that focusing on what you are grateful for…attracts more good to be grateful for.  Let’s just go with that for now.  Even if it were not true that the practice of proactive gratitude multiplies your blessings, does that mean it’s not a worthwhile practice?   Well, let’s look at it from a practical standpoint.

When you are presently focusing on those things you are grateful for, you feel pretty good don’t you?  Try it right now.  Think about something you’re grateful for.  How are you feeling?  Do you feel your heart opening a little? Is there a little smile that’s beginning to appear on your face? Do you feel more relaxed? Do you feel almost…cared for…like the universe is being good to you?

Now let’s focus on something really horrible for a moment. Pick something in your life that really stinks.  Got it?  How are you feeling now?  Is there a heaviness around your shoulders?  Do you feel yourself sinking further down into your chair?  What about that smile…has it gone south?  Do you feel like a huge burden is weighing you down? Does it feel like you can’t catch a break in this area…that the world is random and doesn’t care about you?

I’m not suggesting that you never look at your challenges.  You need to, of course…but you don’t need to wallow in them.  And, after practicing proactive gratitude for a time, you will be amazed at how much more quickly and easily an answer to your challenges becomes.  That, or if it’s something you cannot change, you will be more at peace with it.

And, still speaking practically for a moment, because the practice of proactive gratitude puts you in a positive frame of mind and causes you to feel good, that has positive repercussions on your health.  In a study done by Dr. Robert Emmons in 2003 it was  proven that people who have practice of gratitude have increase immune system functioning.  They sleep better. There’s a  lowering of 10%  in blood pressure.  And, they are 25% happier.  So, just on a physical aspect alone, incorporating a practice of gratitude in your life…just might save it.

In addition, think about the people who you are attracted to for a moment.  Do you like hanging out with people who are negative; who always complain about this and that; who like to blame other people or institutions for their misery?  My guess is that you really don’t.  I’m guessing you are more attracted to people who tend to be in a more positive frame of mind; who are optimistic and forward thinking; who are genuinely delighted by life.  Does that describe you?  If so, you’re probably the kind of person people like to hang with. You probably have lots of friends and meaningful relationships.  If that doesn’t describe you, then try practicing proactive gratitude for awhile and see if things don’t change for you.  This is an experiment. The Gratitude Experiment. We’re experimenting with these ideas here.

Take that idea of someone whom others like to hang with, and think about the workplace for a moment.  If you were an employer, which candidate would you rather hire (all other things being equal?)  I’m thinking you’d hire the positive, optimistic, forward-thinking, grateful one as oppposed to the negative, pessimistic, looking-to-place-the-blame-on-others candidate.   So, developing a practice of gratitude may possibly make you more employable…or help you keep your job and, perhaps, rise to the top.

Again, experiment with these ideas in your own life.  How are other people responding to you?  Are you attracting more positive people into your life?  Is your boss changing how he responds to you? Do you feel more relaxed?  Are you sleeping better?  Are you getting sick less often? Do you get over colds quicker than before? 

Then let us know how it goes.  Report back here.  We’re conducting our own “unofficial” study here.

Many Blessings.

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I am grateful for my husband and his willingness to stand right by my side through a challenging situation.

I am grateful for my kids and the time we spend together in the car in the morning on the way to school.

I am grateful for the opportunity to watch my children blossom and witness their little creative writing talents develop.

I am grateful for that first cup of coffee in the morning by the fireplace, with my Aman Motwane book.

I am grateful for the fabulous view outside my office window.