Gratitude attitude

"Gratitude journal. Every night, you write down 5 things that you are grateful for that day...not including your house/family/car, etc. It has to be something that happened, or a person you love, or something special you've never noticed before. Oprah said doing this changed her life, because she went through every day looking for things to be thankful for. So, instead of focusing on the bad things, start dwelling on the great things in your life!" JoyfulJules

So I have a friend that posted this on her site, and ironically enough, it was something I had been thinking of since Sunday but hadnt the time to sit down and write it out on here.

My mood affects all those around me. It affects the way I act, the things I say and the day I have. So why do I let things or people have control over my level of happiness? Good question huh? Really my heart should control my thoughts and my attitude. So why is it that I let other things or people "ruin my whole day"?

So, I have realized this past weekend, that I need to control my mood and not the other way around. In this discovery, I have also realzied that if I live life in a constant state of thankfulness...doesnt life just seem better? Ofcoures it does!

I mean, even if all God did was send His son to die on the cross for my sin, that would have been more then enough. However....HE DIDNT STOP THERE! I am blessed in the big and small, complex and simple ways every day. There are blessings everywhere! Why has it taken me so long to seek them out and be thankful for them?

I know that I love to be thanked for the things I do. I love to be acknowledge and appreciated. So does my God!

I know that life isnt always as I planned, but I also know who holds the plans...its not me. So even when I think life isnt great....I need to be thankful b/c I know ultimately, God has it all in His hands...and I am confident in what His hands are capable of.

So, in an effort to change my mood, and to be a more positive, God-tuned, thankful person....I am remembering to be thankful, in which, will keep me from having anything to complain or sulk about. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Give thanks in all circumstances.

So today, I am thankful for:

Spring like days in the midst of fall....it was beautiful out yesterday and I loved the feel of the wind in my hair. I enjoyed my walk to my car last night as it was sprinkling.

Compliments from my husband, b/c ultimately, his love for me means so much, and I love hearing how much he loves me and the many reasons why...I never grow tired of this!

Wrapping Christmas presents, I love this time of the year, and I just get so excited over the love that goes into wrapping the perfect gift.

Friends who lift me up. Who reach out when they know that it will help. Who always offer more of themselves then I deserve.

Lemonade. I drink lemonade on a daily basis I do believe. Simple as it is...I love it and the craziness it causes in my mouth!

Oh...and I have to add another one...I am thankful for my husbands job. I am thankful he has one...that we didnt lose as much money as once feared in his move....and that he is such a hardworking person, and that his mentality is that he is the bread winner and as long as he can still supply...its all ok. I love his attitude in it all....he never ceases to amaze me. (ok, so that really kinda entails two things I am thankful for)

So there it is, the simple and the big of my day thus far. And I intend to continue on thinking of just how much I am thankful for through out the day...b/c if I am looking for the good, maybe the bad will pass by less noticed, or at least less dwelled upon. I am already realizing that just to list 5, is a bit hard, b/c there are more than 5. And yet, I used to find things to complain about...hm....silliness!

Thanks Jules for this...you enlightened me today. Thats why I love you so. Keep being so wonderful, its such a blessing to me and all those around you.

Always~~Monica~~