Sometimes people ask me if developing an attitude of gratitude causes one to ignore the problems in life…to just pretend problems are not there and therefore become apathetic and lack initiative.  It’s a good question.  I asked this same question too for many years, until I finally realized that nothing in life really gets solved by complaining about it. 

Let’s think about it. When we are complaining about some person or situation in our lives we are, in effect, putting ourselves in a victim position.  We’ve not yet done anything to change it. We may not see how it can be changed. So we complain, and complain, and complain.  The more we complain, the deeper we dig ourselves into victim-hood.  Are victims empowered to change things? No, they become paralyzed with fear, regret, blame and self-doubt.  It’s always someone else’s fault or the system’s fault that they’re miserable.  And they give up.

On the other hand, if we perceive life from a viewpoint that there is so much to be grateful for, we become empowered.  Oh, we notice those things that are wrong.  We’re not stupid.  However, we don’t dwell in it. We don’t wallow in it.  But, we see it all right.  And because we’re coming from a frame of mind that we are essentially blessed, we feel empowered to take any action necessary to change what can be changed as effortlessly as possible and return to a place of gratitude.   

People who practice proactive gratitude are more aligned with their intuition and innate wisdom.  They are unafraid to speak their mind, and move forward in life, taking whatever action needs to be taken to move things forward or make necessary changes. 

Proactive gratitude challenges us to search out the blessing in challenging situations and to call forth the blessing, while changing what needs to be changed…or changing our perception of an event and learning to live in peace with it. 

Don’t take my word for it.  Look around at the people in your life.  You probably know some people who just love to complain.  They just can’t get through a conversation without complaining about something.  Do they effectively change what needs to be changed?  Are they at peace with what can’t?  Then, look at those who have a positive, optimistic outlook on life…those who easily express their gratitude.  Are they more effective at taking action and speaking up when necessary?  Are they more centered and at peace?  Do their lives work better?  Take a look around and see the difference between the two. Then, decide which frame of mind you’d like to embrace.

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I am grateful for forgiveness. Those who forgive me and my ability to forgive others, and myself.

I am grateful for the beautiful pink cherry blossoms that are beginning to spring up.

I am grateful for a warm day at last.

I am grateful for my husband and his energy and initiative.  No lazy bones here.

I am grateful for all the insight that is flowing though me and for more clarity.

I am grateful for the prosperity manifested in my life this week.