THE VOICE OF MOTIVATION

An Attitude of Gratitude:
The Power of “Thank You”
By Kenny Ray Morgan

As the holidays approach, one usually envisions festive celebrations, giving and receiving gifts; but for some, it represents a time of reflection and an “attitude of gratitude”.

When it comes to acknowledging things to be grateful for in our lives, we need not search very far. As Americans, we are privileged to live in the greatest country in the world, where freedom abounds and we’re able to pursue the great “American Dream” unencumbered, and go as far as our ambitions and determination will take us. This in itself is worthy of our sincere gratitude particularly when one considers that, millions around the world would like the same opportunity, but are not afforded the chance.

Having an attitude of gratitude helps to keep us centered, void of complaints, negativity and focused on cultivating a positive mentality. A simple sincere “thank you” speaks volumes of the individual expressing it and gives recognition and appreciation to the deserving recipient. To thank others and recognize their efforts make them feel valued and appreciated. It’s been said that, “People will work for a living, but they’ll die for recognition.” 

Perhaps, after an honest examination of the following “Food for Thought” you’ll get a renewed sense of the value of embracing an attitude of gratitude:

• At night when your head meets your soft pillar ponder this; “God gave you 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say thank you?” – William A. Ward 

• We should view each and everyday as a GREAT DAY! Don’t think so? Try missing one!

• “Today! This day! I will live one day at a time.” – Kenny Ray Morgan

• “Always look for the silver lining in every dark cloud of life.” –Kenny Ray Morgan

Mind your space of chronic complainers, for they will have a hard time being grateful. Why? Because they spend an inordinate amount of their time complaining about other people, circumstances and their plight in life. They search out others to help validate their complaints. No wonder someone once said, “misery loves company.” Make it a daily goal to stop complaining about your life. Eliminate complaints from your conversations.

• “I complained about not having any shoes, until I met a man with no feet.” – Author Unknown

Constantly remind yourself daily to be thankful for what you already have.

• “It’s not what you don’t have, but what you think you need that keeps you from being successful or happier.” – Price Pritchard

• “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” – John F. Kennedy

• “Nothing new can ever come into your life, until you’re grateful for what you already have.”
  – Dr. Michael Beckwith   

One of the best ways to nourish and embrace an “attitude of gratitude” is to be constantly mindful of the things in life we often take for granted: the air we breathe, the water we drank, the food we eat, our health and strength, just to mention a few. Also, it goes without saying, striving to be ever grateful for our personal, professional and family lives should be paramount.

• “Acknowledge your blessings. The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings.” - Eric Hoffer

• “Give thanks – show attitude in word or deed. Telling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” – William A. Ward

• “If the only prayer you said in your life was ‘thank you’, that would suffice.” - Meister Echart.

Kenny Ray Morgan is a National Motivational Speaker, Trainer
& CEO of KennyRayLive! Seminars, www.kennyraylive.com
& Morgan’s Custom Clothiers, www.morganscustom.com in Minneapolis, MN.
 To book Kenny Ray for your next event, call: 612-272-4521
 or email: ken@kennyraylive.com
Your questions and comments are welcomed.