Christine A Adams - Gratitude Therapy

Gratitude Therapy

Christine A. Adams

Illustrated by R. W. Alley

Abbey Press

All rights reserved, including without limitation the right to reproduce this ebook or any portion thereof in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of the publisher.

Text copyright 1999 by Christine A. Adams
Illustrations copyright 1999 by Saint Meinrad Archabbey

ISBN: 978-1-49768-024-1

Abbey Press Publications
1 Hill Drive
St. Meinrad, Indiana 47577
www.abbeypress.com

Distributed by Open Road Distribution
345 Hudson Street
New York, NY 10014
www.openroadmedia.com

Foreword

At certain moments, gratitude comes easily. We are full to the brim with joy, and that feeling naturally spills over into thankfulness for the goodness and grace of our lives.

At other times, gratitude is nearly unthinkabletimes of pain and illness, loss and grief, trouble and worry. How can we be thankful at times like these? Why should we be?

Author Christine A. Adams maintains that it is at the times were tried and tested that we most need gratitude. For gratitude revives our inner core. It reminds us of better times and the bigger picture. It allows us to draw from the bottomless well of the soul, to summon the peace and power, hope and healing to get through.

In this little volume, youll discover how and why to be gratefulalways. Youll find techniques for realizing, renewing, and reflecting all the goodness in your life. Youll find how to store up gratitude, as a kind of savings account against the inevitable times of spiritual bankruptcy.

We already possess all we need to be happy and at peacethe awareness of who we are and what we have been given. This is gratitude!

1.

Gratitude is an attitude of the heart. Thankful people live each moment with a sense of wonder and contentment. Count your blessings and watch them grow!

2.

Gratitude is like a magnet attracting greater happiness, a more fulfilling life, and more satisfying relationships. Every day, let your heart fill with love. Gratitude creates more reasons to feel grateful.

3.

Start a Love List. Beginning today, when you see, hear, or experience something that brings tears of gratitude to your eyes, write it down. Over time you will begin to see a pattern emerging. This will help to clarify what really moves you and to motivate you in living a life that matters.

4.

Each day is alive with new possibilities. Each moment is an extraordinary gift. You are right where you are supposed to be right now. This moment is all you have. Cherish it!

5.

When you wake up, listen to the birdsong. Greet the day with a happy heart, knowing that just as God provides for the birds, God provides abundantly for you.

6.

As you go through the day, be mindful of the little miracles that grace your path. Celebrate all the good around you and within you.

7.

Slow your paceand open your senses to the world around you. Notice the vivid beauty of colorthe brand-new-green of spring leaves, the fathomless red of a rose, the shimmering gold of a misty morning. Become the color you see. Look into natures secrets to find yourself.

8.

Listen to a butterfly flutter its wings. Stand near a waterfall and hear natures applause. Throw your head back and let your soul rejoice to the song of the wind. Listen to the music of the universe.

9.

Hold still! Breathe in and out slowly, focusing on the life flowing through you. Let the silence hold you in its arms. Be still and know God.

10.

Before you sleep, thank God for another day of life. Restknowing you are loved, you are blessed, you are held tenderly in the hands of a loving God.

11.

Watch the seasons change. All things in nature change, including you and your seasons of life. Embrace change! God is there in the barrenness, the new beginnings, the fruitfulness, and the changing colors of life.

12.

Eat slowly, with gratitude for the nourishment provided for you. Delight in deliciousness. Keep your body strong with healthy food and exercise, for your body is your instrument of praise to the Creator.

13.

What is your most cherished dream? Write it on a small slip of paper and carry it with you every day, as you visualize your dream coming true. Be thankful for who you are today and who you will be tomorrow.

14.

Value every day by working at what you love. Dont wait until after you get enough money or when you have the time to do what you were made to do. Be grateful for your talents and choose to use them.

15.

Once you discover your lifes mission, you are on your way to living the life you love. An inspired purpose produces courageous actions, which, in turn, create success. Commit to your calling with specific action goals.