Gratitude is a choice. A powerful choice

 

The Apostle Paul said: “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” And a bit later he wrote: “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.”

 

Question is . . . how does a leader—with everything swirling around them as the lead of an organization–acquire it? And why does it matter?

 

You can listen to the audio version here. Here is the video version.

 

Here are the show notes:

 

Find God in every situation

In good situations, and in not-so-good situations. If you belong to Him, He is with you always—for real. We’re not grateful for the pain—we’re grateful for what God produces through the pain.

 

Pain can be a teacher if you try to find God in it.

 

Be grateful for what you have instead of ungrateful for what you don’t have

 

When we focus on what we don’t have, happiness and joy seem elusive. When we focus on what others have that we don’t, discontentment lurks. When we practice gratefulness for what we do have, we locate joy, no matter what circumstances swirl around us.

 

Focus on what’s left . . . not on what’s lost

Not suggesting we deny legitimate loss in our lives. Denial is unhealthy. But I’m learning all over again that even while I acknowledge and grieve these losses, good things still are happening in my life. So, while we grieve our losses, let’s also celebrate what’s left.

 

Why does practicing gratefulness matter?

• Improved physical, emotional, and social well-being
• Greater optimism and happiness
• Improved feelings of connection in times of loss or crises
• Increased self-esteem
• Heightened energy levels
• Strengthened heart, immune system, and decreased blood pressure
• Improved emotional intelligence
• Expanded capacity for forgiveness
• Decreased stress, anxiety, depression, and headaches
• Improved self-care and greater likelihood to exercise
• Heightened spirituality

 

Amazing power resides within gratitude! It will help you lead better, lead better, and enjoy it more!