How Do You Overcome Negativity and Envy? By Being Focused on Gratitude

We ladies exist in a society where value and status are about material things like cars, clothes, and homes, and we all dream about having more – more money, bigger houses, more cars – still we never seem to be happy. As a replacement for staying thankful for what we do have, we feel envious of the people who have more than we do.

Being in constant rivalry with coworkers, family members, or neighbors can be grueling! Eventually, you'll lose sight of the essential things in life, such as your children, relationships, and health. If you place a substantial value on something, you won't feel very fulfilled, and you will end up making an inner tension that will only drive you away from happiness. After all, happiness is not the amount of stuff you collect.

Remember What You Are Grateful About

If you had to list what is good in your life right now, and you were not permitted to mention any material possessions, would you have a tough time coming up with a list? Do you have a hard time simply being happy and grateful as you are always longing for something bigger or better?

We all have great dreams for ourselves. But, we cannot begin to work toward our goals until we accept who we are and where we are right now. That acceptance starts with a sincere appreciation for yesterday's life lessons and the talents and skills we have today.

Sure, we all would like a great big house, nice furnishings, big-screen TVs, better-paying jobs, sporty or luxury cars, gourmet food, fancy jewelry, and the latest designer clothing. But how can we be grateful for the finer things in life if we cannot be thankful for the simple things? After all, a big-screen TV would not matter if you did not have your eyes to see and your ears to hear! Of course, desiring good quality items is not wrong, but your focus should be on living and enjoying your life, not things.

• Conveying your gratitude does not have to be reserved for Thanksgiving dinner. Communicate to your family why you are grateful today and listen to what your family says in return.

• Inspire your kiddos to dig deep down into their souls to discover gratitude. Children need to understand how to not focus on material items and instead focus on important people, positive experiences, and quality of life.

Use a Gratitude Journal to Refocus Your Thoughts

A gratitude journal is a notebook where you jot down everything in life you are thankful for and appreciate. It does not have to take more than five minutes early in the morning or before you go to bed every night. The purpose is to clear your mind, reflect on the day, and realize the goodness in life.

A few tips to assist you in getting underway:

• Purchase or make yourself a lovely, attractive journal so you will take care of it and will look forward to journaling every day.

• Reflect on everything new that came your way: new friends, clients, or opportunities.

• Do not be shy about repeating things from previous days; praising your good health and loving family never tires.

• Did your friend do something extraordinary for you today? Did you find a lost item? Did you handle a difficult situation well? Gratitude is not about massive things; you can be grateful for the small stuff, too.

• Regularly go back over your journal and read all that you are grateful for in your life. It will be a great pick-me-up on challenging days.

The more you include in your journal, the more you will educate your mind in a new way of thinking. Your outlook on life will come to be more positive, and you will feel a more profound sense of connection with those around you. And you will discover the sheer beauty that already exists in your life.

 “Today’s a new day, a chance for a new start. Yesterday is gone and with it any regrets, mistakes, or failures I may have experienced. It’s a good day to be glad and give thanks, and I do, Lord. Thank you for today, a new opportunity to love, give, and be all that you want me to be.” — Rebecca Barlow Jordan