The last few months, as I have struggled with a badly damaged back, I have had to work hard to appreciate our wonderful world.  Darkness has been lurking on the fringes of my world and at times has been encroaching closer and closer to the center of my thoughts. Pain does that.

Whether physical or emotional, pain can change our perception of our lives.

In order to cope I’ve focused on living an attitude of gratitude. Each day, I seek out the good things in my life. I’m choosing to focus on the beauty and wonder of the stars, rather than the weight and stickiness of the mud beneath my feet.

Whether or not you are in the midst of struggle, I encourage you to:

Begin a gratitude journal.

Choose a notebook that feels good in your hand and appeals to your eye. Begin by giving thanks for this book and the people involved in producing it. Express your appreciation for your ability to read and write. Already you have listed three things in your journal. Use this journal to give thanks for at least five persons, things, events every day.

Over time, you’ll discover that you do indeed live in a wonderful world. Even in the midst of your pain, disappointment, grief, you are surrounded with abundant opportunities to be grateful. Try it for a month.

Make the choice. Enjoy your blessings. After all, you are blessed with the gift of being a Canadian and living in this wonderful country.

“I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses.

Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” (Deuteronomy 30: 19)

For More on Living a life of Gratitude go to: http://dougkasper.com/self-help-articles/create-a-gratitude-attitude