An Attitude of Gratitude

I reckon the Thanksgiving holiday is just around the corner, but I really wasn't thinking about that when I wrote the following, I was just bubbling over with thankfulness and got to thinking about thankful people.  Anyway...
     I know of no more admirable character trait than a sense of appreciation.  When I think of the people I have known this one thing stands out.  I like to be around people who appreciate me, who appreciate others, who appreciate being alive and all the little things there are to appreciate about life.  But, I think the appreciation cannot stand alone; it must be communicated.  Those who find ways to express their appreciation, they are the real gems.  And if you think about it, the complaining ungrateful are some of the most difficult people to be around.
     If I could, I would give you amazing advice on how to rise above your sad circumstances and be thankful.  I can only tell you to practice and I can’t guarantee results.  Find something to be thankful for and express gratitude wherever you can; you will never regret it.  Honestly, I have known some pretty grim circumstances; sometimes I rose above and sometimes I sunk very low.  These days I am overflowing with gratitude and expressing it is easier than ever.  I have never had so much to be thankful for.  Finding new ways to express it is my only complication at present.  I love working on this little problem.
     It seems to me that an attitude of gratitude is one of the most important things we can bring to a relationship.  Start at home.  Express your appreciation for your husband, wife, partner, your children, siblings and parents.  Let them know how much they mean to you.  Often.  Many times daily.  It’s easier to trust someone whom you believe appreciates you.  How such a small thing can strengthen a relationship!
     Try spending some time thinking about beautiful things and develop a general air of appreciation.  Start small if you must; flowers, butterflies, running water, smiles; work your way up to the stars, if you can.
      Of the people you know, how many are thankful and how many are bitter complainers?  What about the people in between, who just don’t communicate at all?  Which are you?  It seems to me like the majority of people are more likely to speak up only when they have something negative to say.  What a shame.  Why not step up and express gratitude instead?  Have we become so self-focused and proud?  Feeling entitled is a sure-fire way to kill gratitude.  If you need to turn around, remembering that the universe owes you nothing is a good place to start.