Building Attitude with Gratitude

By: Jennifer McClellan, MA, NCC, APC, Therapist

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A few years ago, I was fortunate enough to be part of a small Christian group.  Our group met once a month for weekend trainings for nearly a year.  Sunday mornings we worshiped together before the training began.  We ended our worship by giving our instructor a number from 1-10.  (10 being the highest and 1 being lowest).  I loved this activity because we repeated it at the end of the day.  Our numbers had increased by the late afternoon even if we were tired, hungry, and had long travel times back home to our families to start the new week. 
 
During our time together the group went through many events such as weddings, deaths, marital separations, engagements, moving, job changes, college workloads, travel, and much more.  One Sunday morning, one of the members stated she was a 10!  One who had just experienced a great loss unexpectedly while going through another difficult life event.  We all inquired about her number – and she simply stated it was because of US – she was GRATEFUL to spend one weekend a month with a group that was using gratitude to change difficult situations into opportunities to build better attitudes! 
 
A moment of realization for us all – even during tough or sad times, we can shift our perspectives.
 
I ask…what are You GRATEFUL for each day?  Not just here in the Fall when the weather cools and we begin planning our holiday meals, travel plans, and shopping lists – but this season of life for you. 
 
I am sure you have heard, “Start each day with a grateful heart.”
Give it some thought and ask yourself:

• What is my number today?
• Do I have opportunities to bring my number up? 
• Can I shift my attitude?

 
Beautiful things happen when you can let go of the negative and allow gratefulness and gratitude to take hold. 
 
“As we express gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” ~ John F. Kennedy
 
A prayer for you from a member of my group:
Lord we are so very thankful that you are full of mercy and grace.
Help us to see and understand the depth of your love for us. 
May this knowledge spark gratefulness in our hearts and fullness in our lives.  ~ A.C.