Gratitude is Action Not Opinion

photo by Kate Ware

Saying I am grateful isn't enough for me these days...well, maybe on some days it is, but what is enough for me isn't always what is healthiest for me.

I've been taking more time to myself in quiet meditation, just observing my surroundings and noting the things I see, hear, and taste. It seems to keep my daydreaming and worrisome thoughts away. Keeps me focused on the here and now.

One day at a time becomes one moment at a time. And in those moments is where I become grateful without even trying to be. I have always had to try so hard to be positive and thankful. My nature is definitely that of a pessimist.

But when I stay in the moment with one thought at a time AND have no opinion about whether things are good or bad, I can't be negative...no opinions allowed, right? I allow myself to identify things as healthy or unhealthy, but not as good or bad.

After doing this for a few days now, I have come to realize that the majority of the moments in my life are fairly neutral anyway. It is my opinions about them that make them negative.

I guess in my case, I have to remove all my judgements about things before being able to take a walk on that wild, positive side. I guess when I don't judge things my true self is revealed and it shouts gratitude everytime!