Being Thankful

Being Thankful

by John Holland

Most of us have heard of the expression: “It’s in giving that we truly receive.” One way to keep the wheel of giving and receiving primed and to keep the flow of abundance streaming from the source into your life is to be thankful to the Universe for what you do have in your life.

Recently we had quite the snowstorm here on the East Coast, and over 800,000 homes, including mine, were without power. We didn’t know when power would be restored due to the high number of downed electrical lines, and the situation was made even worse because temperatures were below freezing at night. The power company had their crews working around the clock to get the power restored as quickly as possible. Many worked through the nights with no sleep, and I’m sure some were having their own issues at home as well.

As day three approached with no power, going to bed when it was 38 degrees and waking up to 45 degrees, I didn’t panic and kept hoping that each new day would be the day the power came back on. Also I really noticed how I took the simple things in life, like electricity, for granted, after spending days without heat and lights, or access to my computer and phone. I was thankful that my propane fireplace still worked, and that the snow on my deck was keeping everything cold that was in my refrigerator. I was just “thankful” for what I did have.

I also noticed how some people were complaining that the power was not coming on fast enough, and yet admired those who were helping each other get through this tough time. My neighbors all banned together, and those who had generators fed us and kept us warm, including our pets. Even during a time of unknowingness and scary temperatures, the giving of people touched my heart and soul. I feel this is what really being spiritual means. How you treat yourself, others, the world, and all that is around you.

At the same time, a family member who was laid off is staying with me until he finds a job, which I know he will. He is not familiar (but learning fast) about the power of being grateful. He was feeling down and very sad that he could not land a job fast enough in a field where his credentials are highly regarded. These days it’s becoming increasingly more difficult to find a job, even in fields that usually had many positions available.

I said to him: “Do you have a place to live?” “Yes,” he replied. “Am I able to let you live here for free?” “Yes,” again he replied. “Do you have excellent references on your resume?” Still another “Yes.” “Are you healthy?” A final “Yes” he said quietly. “Then I want you to do two things for me.

Number one: I want you to see yourself working, as if it is happening now. Really see, and feel it. The Universe responds when we visualize something positive as if it is happening now.

Number two: I want you to be thankful for what you “do” have in your life, and know that it will get better if you focus on those two things!”

Two days later, he got a call about a job that would be a perfect fit. He had a great interview and as I am writing this newsletter, they are checking his references and we shall see what happens in the next few days.

I know it can sometimes be tough to do, but it is helpful to be thankful for who and what’s in your life, instead of complaining about what you don’t have. (Eventually my power did come back on and I was thankful once again for heat and electricity, more so than ever before!)

If you focus on gratitude, you will attract prosperity and abundance. When I say prosperity, I’m not just referring to financial riches, but about less tangible things, such as love, friends, kindness, health, compassion, etc. There are various kinds of prosperity and abundance, so by just saying “Thank You” and holding those words inside where they can resonate with your soul, it will help with the connections and good intentions of others to stream into your life and create affirmative experiences. Equally, it’s all right to thank yourself. If you’ve done something positive for yourself, then pat yourself on the back and say, “I Thank Me.” You deserve it!

John’s Lesson

By giving back, you’re acknowledging and honoring the Divine Source, and by doing so, you’re keeping the energy of the “giving and receiving circle” open and fluid. When you focus on having an attitude of gratitude, you’re adopting a sharing mentality so that everyone benefits.

Here are just a few ways you can express gratitude:

*   Saying prayers of thanks

*   Giving love unconditionally

*   Giving blessings for what you do have

*   Acknowledging a good deed from your neighbor

*   Donating your time to your chosen charity

*   Giving food or spare money to a homeless person

*   Saying a kind word to a stranger

*   Sending a card to someone who could use encouragement

*   Even a smile is a gift to others

*   Appreciate all the abundance and goodness that’s around you.

*   Be thankful for your health, children, sunny days, your garden, family, best friends, or even the person who lets you jump ahead in line at the bank!

The more joy you begin to notice and appreciate, the easier it becomes for you to experience more happiness, joy, abundance, prosperity, and most importantly – love.

Live a Soul-filled life!

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