Leave A Trail Of Gratitude

I hear many people confess that our younger generation lives in a bubble of entitlement. These kids believe they are entitled to the latest designer clothes, shoes, or cellphone because they perform well in sports, arts or at school.

WHO actually modeled this behavior for them? 

Children are sponges and most often repeat, behave or imitate what they’ve seen at home. No one ever really wants to admit it, but it’s true. Small children have mannerisms and daily expressions that come right from their everyday experiences. That child that can’t sit and eat at a restaurant is probably having that normal behavior at home when no one is looking or caring.

Enjoy the view and model thankfulness!

We can change that dynamic by TEACHING our youth (and adults) to leave  a trail of gratitude in their daily lives. It is easy to say, “Thank You”.  If it seems like a mundane task, still intentionally choose to be thankful. We pass many vehicular accidents on our daily commutes. Thank God every time you make it to your destination safely. Find ways in each day to have an attitude of appreciation.

Start with thanking yourself. You shouldn’t neglect to be thankful at the end of each day. Be thankful for the strength needed to get through another day. Take 5 minutes at night to find 10+ successes you've accomplished. Maybe the dishes finally got washed, or you completed a 30 minute walk - find joy in the small successes of life.

Having running water in your home is often an overlooked blessing because it’s always there. But for the person that doesn’t have water, when they receive it, they become extremely thankful. Our recent return from vacation left us with no air conditioning when we arrived back home. After a night of sleeping in a house that was 86 degrees, I am ever so THANKFUL for AC.  

The more you think on things you are thankful for, the less time you dedicate to negative thinking. 

(Posted by Roslyn)