Every year at this time we all sit around with loved ones and discuss what we’re thankful for. Isn’t it wonderful? What would our lives be like if we had this gratitude 365 days a year?

There comes a time in all of our lives where we just feel that NOTHING is going our way. Jobs, family, friends — it all seems to be less than ideal. Everyone else seems to have it “going on.” What’s my problem? Why is this all happening to me? Well, on a day like that, and in a situation like this, toss out the pity party and shift to an attitude of gratitude.

So, what’s so wrong with having a ‘tude about the lot we’ve been given in life? I probably don’t even really need to answer this question for you guys, but for fun, we’ll give it a shot. No matter what, we always have something to be grateful for. And it’s important to look at life from that standpoint. Life is much too short to be upset. We are living, breathing beings, and with each breath we have the opportunity to change our lives. What you think is how you feel. How you act has the ability to influence others. We are meant to be blissful, uplifting beings in life. Need more? You get what you shell out. So, sending gratitude and graciousness out into the Universe, will surely come back around to you in some form or another.

So during this time where thankfulness and gratitude surround us, let’s focus on taking these ideals and bringing them into our day-to-day lives. How can we shift and bring more gratitude into our lives? Check out the four A’s for a more awesome, gracious living:

–  Awareness. Simply being aware of when you start to get down in the dumps is the first major step! Cross this bridge, and you’ll find the land of peace and graciousness.

–  Acknowledgement. Things aren’t going the way you’d like them to? Make a change.

–  Appreciation. Don’t look at what you don’t have. Value what you DO have.

–  Acceptance. Life is what you make it. The grass is not always greener on the other side; it’s greener where you water it!

Are you living a gracious life? What can you do to get that attitude of gratitude?

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