Better than Plain Gratitude
You're thankful for what you have - good. Now catapult yourself to another level by being grateful for what others have - but you don't
The day of Thanksgiving is upon us in the USA and my inbox is filled with subject lines expressing thanks and gratitude from businesses, organizations, and friends alike. This holiday truly is a golden opportunity to pause and count our blessings and express our gratitude for that which we have.
Awhile back I wrote about how practicing gratitude on a daily basis can significantly enhance your mood and outlook. See that article here. Indeed it’s not just for the holidays anymore!
I’m grateful for so much that I have in my life, from physical things like a good car, an awesome dog, and healthy food in my freezer to non-physical things like the love of my family, connectedness with friends, and my growing capacity to have perspective and compassion for so many more things in life.
But what about the things that I DON’T have? The things that I want or need or yearn for? Do those things have a place or a way to be addressed on this glorious day of Thanksgiving?
I don’t feel grateful for things I don’t have. I feel lacking. Or stressed. Or despondent, hopeless, apathetic, even bitter at times. And when I see others have these things that I want, at my lowest point I may even dip into envy, dislike, or resentment.
I think this is fairly common (unfortunately - but let’s work to change it). For example, a lot of people resent rich people, or are jealous of others’ success in business, or envy people who have tight relationships.
My strategy is usually to push these thoughts out of my head and go back to focusing on what I DO have. Or working on my plan to get those things that I want – whether they are material things like more money or a nice piece of land or immaterial things like more patience or deeper relationships.
There is nothing wrong with this strategy.
However, recently I came across a BETTER strategy. One that I think fits perfectly into the spirit of Thanksgiving and could be practiced around the dinner table this year alongside the tradition of stating what you are thankful for.
The new idea is to ADMIRE, LOVE, and BLESS the person who already has what you want.
Send an intention of blessing to those who have the things that you desire.
Bless those who are doing the things that you wish you were doing.
Express admiration for people who act like you want to act, or who say the things that you want to say.
Send love to those who are having the experiences that you want to have or who are living how you want to live.
There are so many things I want and changes I want to make. When I shift from the “I want….” mindset, which definitely carries a feeling of lack, into the “That’s so cool that they have….” mindset, I feel good!
I actually feel better, more hopeful, more expanded, brighter, like there are more possibilities, and that the thing that I’m blessing is more likely to happen for me! Whoa – this is really cool.
Let’s try it by sending appreciation and blessings to:
People who travel and say yes to new adventures and experiences.
People who are committed to taking care of themselves and exhibit stellar health.
People who have big money and full freedom to spend it however they please.
People who own their own business and enjoy success, prestige, and financial bounty.
People who create great art and become well-known for it.
People who are connected with lots of people in their community whether they are master networkers or social butterflies – you know the ones: these people just KNOW lots of people.
People who have deep, loving, respectful relationships with family and friends.
People who are courageous, resourceful, and step in to help in a big way.
People who are innovative, big-time creatives, and take the initiative to make change.
People who own, care for, and enhance land and property.
People who have integrity, take responsibility, are honest, and presence all that is good in the Universe.
People who know themselves and aren’t afraid to express their true authentic selves.
Yes! This feels great as the ideas really start to roll. It’s kind of limitless all the blessings that you can shoot out into the cosmos.
For me this takes the beautiful Thanksgiving gratitude and elevates it to a whole new level:
Gratitude for what is
+ Blessing where there is lack
= Abundance in the highest sense of the word
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
*If you feel called, add one of the blessings that you are sending out in the comments section for others to see. Or if you are really feeling shy but still want to share, send me a private message. Thank you!