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Practicing the Attitude of Gratitude

Several years ago, at the encouragement of a friend, I started carrying a gratitude rock in my pocket. It’s really just a small, smooth stone that I picked up from the fish pond behind our house. I carry it with me where ever I go.

A Stone in a Hand - Photo courtesy of ©iStockphoto.com/jaminwell, Image #12120864

Photo courtesy of ©iStockphoto.com/jaminwell

The idea is simple. Whenever my hand contacts the stone–usually several times a day–I give thanks for whatever is happening at that moment, whether good or bad.

It is amazing how this simple act changes my perspective and, ultimately, my attitude. Instead of seeing the glass half-empty, I see it half-full. Instead of focusing on what I don’t have, I focus on what I do have–right now.

Someone once wisely told me, “You won’t get what you don’t have until you learn to be grateful for what you do have.” I think that is so true. We so often focus on our lack–what’s missing.

For example, we complain about our lack of a vibrant, real relationship with God. We wish our church were bigger–or smaller. We wish we had a spouse. Or perhaps we wish we didn’t have a spouse. Or maybe we want to change our spouse.

Or we wish we could get a different job, a different boss, or a bigger paycheck. We wish we had more interesting work, more sensitive coworkers, or different hours.

We wish we could live in a different city, a different part of the city, or a different house. We complain about our furniture, our car, and all our other stuff.

To state the obvious, this is not healthy. And do we really think this complaining spirit will lead to better relationships or more abundance?

I’ve always given thanks when I pray, but often it’s just perfunctory. Now, I am trying to give thanks more deliberately. The gratitude rock is one tool that is helping me.

Let me challenge you to push the pause button and write down twenty items you are thankful for right now. Here’s my list:

My Gratitude List

  1. My relationship with God
  2. His constant presence with me and blessings in my life
  3. My relationship with Gail
  4. Thirty-three years of marriage
  5. Gail’s constant support and encouragement
  6. Gail’s wisdom and timing
  7. Gail’s incredible parenting skills
  8. Gail’s sense of humor and her incredible servant’s heart
  9. Our home and the joy of sharing it with others
  10. My daughters and sons-in-law and the varieties of their personalities
  11. Their love for Gail and for me
  12. My grandchildren, who always make me smile
  13. The joy of laughing with Gail and the family
  14. The little town of Franklin and the fun of being able to walk to almost everything
  15. This new season of my life, where I am living my dream of speaking and writing
  16. The fact that I have enough to eat today
  17. Dark chocolate
  18. The fact that I am warm, dry, and comfortable
  19. The fact that I am healthy and able to exercise regularly
  20. My church and the the people I have worshipped with for twenty-seven years
What’s on your list? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Posted on November 16, 2011

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  • Jherron

    The gratitude stone is a wonderful idea. I stumbled across a similar idea thanks to my five-year-old son. He was sitting on my lap as I wrote my weekly sermon. This weeks topic was letting go and letting God be God in our lives. The main obstacle to letting go is our intense need to be in control. As I was typing this out, my son reached up and grabbed hold of the keyboard and literally pulled one of the keys right off! I was shocked and amazed. First of all, I had no idea the keys would just pop off like that; second, how was I goin to
    finish writing the sermon without that key? Taking a moment to survey the situation I looked at the key my son had removed. I was moved to awe. It was the Control Key. It was at that point I bagman to carry that key around in my front pocket with me. Similar to the gratitude stone it reminds me that I must regularly surrender control of my life,
    anxieties, worries, drea

    • http://www.jeffrandleman.com Jeff Randleman

      Great illustration!  Did you use it in that sermon?

      • Jherron

        I am planning on it. Thankful for my children who bring such joy to my life…and the occasional sermon illustration.

        • http://www.jeffrandleman.com Jeff Randleman

          I completely understand!  I have five kids.  They are always a source of inspiration, illustration, amusement…

  • Chad

    Any list of things for which one is grateful MUST have dark chocolate on it!  The little things really do matter, don’t they?  Thank God he created diversity of tastes and thankful he created chocolate!

    • http://www.jeffrandleman.com Jeff Randleman

      My wife loves dark chocolate.  It’s one of the tings I know I can get her anytime and she’ll love it.  In fact, I rushed to WalMart last night with about 5 minutes before they closed to buy her a bar of it.  (Yes, we live in such a small town, our WalMart closes.  It’s a crazy backwords world I live in…)

      • http://www.jmlalonde.com Joe Lalonde

        That is so foreign to me… A WalMart that closes. (-:

        • http://www.jeffrandleman.com Jeff Randleman

          I know!  Try living here!  The closest 24-hour store is 30 minutes away. 

          • http://www.jmlalonde.com Joe Lalonde

            Sometimes I think it would be nice living in an area that has stores that actually close.

            Muskegon is not a big city but we have 2 WalMarts and three Meijers(similar to a WalMart). Both of these stores stay open 24 hours a day. It can be so hectic and crazy at times.

            It seems that it would bring a slower pace to life and help you enjoy the things you have more.

          • http://www.jeffrandleman.com Jeff Randleman

            That’s true.  But the convenience factor is a big part of it for us as well.  With five kids, you kinda have to go when they are in bed…

            We used to live in Fort Wayne, IN.  We had a WalMart and a Meijer (and a Menards) within 2 miles of the house.  Loved that!

          • http://www.jmlalonde.com Joe Lalonde

            I can see that, especially with five kids.

            With just the wife and I, there is usually no reason other than convenience to run to Meijer or WalMart late at night.

            But, I will admit, it is nice to be able to go whenever you want to a store.

    • http://www.jmlalonde.com Joe Lalonde

      Dark chocolate is an awesome thing to have on the list. It is one of my favorite treats.

  • http://www.failuresneverfinal.com Colleen (FNF)

    Michael, I have to tell you – the first thought I had was “Oh No.  He’ll break his washer or dryer.” :-)  But, reading further, I loved the concept.  I plan to write my list of 20 during my lunch break.  

    I hope you show this post to your wife, Gail.  It’s funny that we can feel gratitude and yet fail in communicating it to those that matter most.  Not that I’m accusing you.  Just making a suggestion.  

  • http://www.jeffrandleman.com Jeff Randleman

    I do much the same thing.  I set alarms on my phone for every three hours.  They are called my thankfulness reminders.  I also carry around a mind journal (an idea I got from Today We Are Rich, which I recieved from you…).  In that journal, I write down things I’m grateful for when I see them.  It’s getting pretty full.

    What I carry in my pocket, however, is a geocoin.  My three oldest kids love to geocache with me, and every time I touch that geocoin, I’m reminded of my love for them, and I pray for them.

    Thanks for the great thoughts!

  • http://twitter.com/FamiliesPurpose Polly

    I am new to your blog and find it so very inspirational.  Thank you.  I am going to take this idea and share it with my family.  Love it!

  • http://www.authorcynthiaherron.com Cynthia Herron

    Great list! And loved the fact that much of it centered around family. What I’ve included in mine:

    1.  My salvation!
    2. Family
    3. Adoption
    4. Church
    5. Writing ministry
    6. A hungry mind
    7. Health
    8. Shelter
    9. Freedom
    10. Your blog

  • http://twitter.com/_salam_ Kevin Bushnell

    Thank you, Michael, for writing this post and sharing your list.  I started writing my list of 20 things and found the list easily growing beyond 20.  And it’s a core leadership lesson to focus on, too.  I’m especially convinced that Gratitude is a great trait to have and live out; it’s the kind of contagious leadership that makes people not only want to follow you but also to emulate you.  Timely piece!

  • http://twitter.com/thegospelwriter Wanza Leftwich, TGW

    My Gratitude List

    1. My relationship with myself – I didn’t always like ‘me’
    2. My husband – a hardworking man that puts up with all of me
    3. My relationship with God 
    4. My children – my beautiful daughters that the doctors said I could not have because I was infertile for years
    5. My love of reading and writing
    6. Music — it inspires my soul
    7. Full Effect Gospel Ministries – my church, my safe haven
    8. My mommy and daddy – I’m grown but they are my rock – always by my side
    9. My siblings – they are the best, always supportive
    10. My job – after 5 years — I was able to comeback — so grateful
    11. My writing career 
    12. Nieces and nephews that light up my day
    13. Provision for my family
    14. A new mindset about finances
    15. A new mindset about love and marriage
    16. My students at school – they keep me on my toes
    17. My children’s godparents – they truly are a Godsend
    18. The fact that I can be on time for appointments — I used to be habitually late since I was a kid
    19. The fact that after 10 years  of not writing – I am completing my novel
    20. A community of writers that are supportive – TWV2
    21. Michael Hyatt

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Great list. And thanks for including me!

  • http://twitter.com/thegospelwriter Wanza Leftwich, TGW

    I could have kept going…

  • http://twitter.com/Keene44 Stand Strong

    I keep a gratitude journal.  I started with just listing 3 things a day to be grateful for. It honestly begins to change your outlook on things.  You begin to actively search for grateful things to report.  This also keeps your mind too busy to focus on the negative.

  • Anonymous

    This may sound counter-intuitive, but I have learned to be thankful for my bipolar disorder. Though the bone-jarring depression was (and is) horrendous, I’m thankful I can relate to the deep pain of others. As irrational as the mania was (and is) I’m thankful for the great ideas it sometimes generates.

    I’m thankful for the gift of medicine that has provided much needed relief from the disorder that wasn’t available even five years ago.

    I am also grateful for the insights I’ve gleaned managing the oscillating up and down changes we live with every day (stock market; holiday highs and lows etc) with the power of resilience.  This has provided a new emphasis, focus, and energy in my speaking and writing career.

  • Jack Lynady

    Nice post. Every morning before my feet hit the floor I try to practice gratitude. I take a few minutes conversing with Him about all that I am thankful for. And then ask what He’s got lined up for my day.

  • Donna

    I have to tell you that I enjoy reading your blog and often share it with people.
    We all mean to be grateful but it is easy to focus on negative. We need little reminders to enjoy all of the abundance that God gives us.

  • http://www.meeklabs.com meeklabs

    I used to carry around a rock as well.  It reminded me of a time I thought it would be easy to finish walking around a mountain when I had this nagging pull to turn around.  I didnt want to, so I went my own way.  That last 25% took FAR more time than it would have taken to go back.  It was a great reminder  not to do things my own stubborn way.  The rock was a cool looking pink quartz I had picked up along the way.  I kept it in my jacket pocket.  I usually end up forgetting about it when spring rolls around, but its a great reminder each fall when I get my jacket out of the closet.

    Reminders are good so we focus on origination points and dont drift with the tide too far.

  • http://www.facebook.com/edpokc Edward Pope

    Alright, here we go. 20 things I am thankful..
    1) Will go to heaven to see my Father one day.
    2)  I had 16 years with an incredible woman.
    3) My beautiful children who have obedient hearts and even still when they don’t.
    4) Incredible family that loves and without whom I would not be able to function in my new season of life.
    5) Spiritual friends like James, Jason, Wale, Dan, Clint, Mike B – that help keep me on track.
    6) Working with a company that’s mission is to “Honor God through serving employees”.
    7) Being surrounded at work by people that are fantastic and supportive.
    8) My spiritual family here in OKC and around the world. My life changed 13 years ago.
    9) The opportunities to give of my time, energy and money to those in need. It is a blessing.
    10) The times I get to see a beautiful sunrise and rainbow… just the other day.
    11) To be able to get on my bike and ride 50 miles. I need to do this more.
    12) My precious morning time reading my bible. Renewing me everyday.
    13) Jesus who has a way of reminding me of what I could be and how much he makes up the difference of where I am.
    14) Coffee… enough said.
    15) Listening to music and now learning how to play the piano.
    16) Growth through difficult times… it’s hard to imagine but my perspective is changing on challenging times that I go through in my life.
    17) Walking into my little home and getting big hugs from my kids.
    18) The challenge of trying to find out what God’s specific purpose is for me on earth.
    19) People that are patient with me.
    20) Seeing people do more than thought they could.

    Wow and that really only took 5 min. Thanks for prompting me to spend the time being grateful.

  • http://OneStepForwardToday.com Bryan Patrick

    1. My wife, Amy, who inspires me and pushes me to achieve beyond my personal best
    2. My children who are all healthy, clothed, and fed
    3. My Compassion child in Kenya, who without knowing it, is showing me what “Living comfortably so that others may live” really means
    4. My parents who to this day speak wisdom into my life
    5. My family, friends, church members, and other influencers who make up my village in life. 
    6. My church of 10 years – that has allowed me to grow into the minister I am today
    7. My racing partner, Rob, who pushed me to finish strong
    8. The 10k race I completed on Sunday and all that this achievement has taught me
    9. books that have inspired me and challenged me this year
    10. difficult circumstances in life that have provided a venue for practicing what God has taught me
    11. technology that bridges a physical gap between my children and their grandparents in Georgia
    12. many people in my life who are committing to a new culture of a healthy lifestyle
    13. the coaching I’ve received this year which has brought out the best God hid within me
    14. the desire to wake up and impact others in a positive and eternal way
    15. the ability to make music and to sing praise to God
    16. having the funds necessary at just the right time this fall to keep our vehicles safe and running
    17. friends who will move Heaven and earth to help with our children while one child is in the hospital
    18. a church that understands the need for its pastors to take a break
    19. parents who support us no matter what
    20. In all these is grace – afforded us by the death and resurrection of Jesus, because of the Father’s immense love for me, for you, and for all who will receive it. God is not at the top of my list – He is my list – for without God, these thankful details do not exist.

    Mike,
    thank you for the venue of this exercise in gratitude!
    - BP

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      A wonderful list, Bryan. Thanks!

  • Damonpassons

    I am thankful for Christ, my wife, four boys, family, Church family, time alone with my wife, friends, job God has called me to, life, having fun, enjoying the journey, and so much more I am not mentioning.

  • Mollymadonna

    I am so thankful for the daily reminder of God’s faithfulness through our son, Henry. He is not quite seven months old, but God is using him in a mighty way to infuse joy into our home and hope into our extended family. He is a delight to spend my days with, and and God shows Himself to me through simple moments with Henry all the time!

  • http://www.AllisonAllen.net Musicallen

    Sitting here watching my mother-in-law, whom I adore, hold my new son, Luke Allen… A late life miracle at 41. And through all the difficulties of getting him here, and the attendant adjustments that inevitably come, I am overwhelmed a palpable sense of gratitude. Thank you, Mike, for always giving words to accompany my feelings!

  • http://levittmike.wordpress.com levittmike

    Thankfully, it took me about 30 seconds to list off 20 items.  I could probably hit 30 or 40, before “writers block” kicks in.

    # 1 was God, followed by Salvation, Jesus, my wife and family, health, clean water, financial ability, desiring to learn more, friends, etc.

    Thanks for this post Michael.  

    Blessings!

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  • Sandi

    I love the list and the rock idea!  Very cool!  I especially like Number 17.  (:

  • http://wwww.ontargetcoach.com Brent Pittman

    Thankful that I am self-employed and I can see more of my son as he grows up. 

  • Dawn Ford

    I wear a gratitude ring, given to me by a dear friend the day I was baptized.  In the card attached to the box she wrote, “If God never does another thing for you, he’s already given you the greatest gift.  Wear this ring to remember this day.”  I use it like you use your rock…

  • Lydia Pate

    My grateful “gauge” is at an all-time high. Where do I start?
    ·         I am humbled by a God who chose to pursue a relationship with me, and who wants to use me on this planet to make a difference in the lives of people. My identity is defined by who I am in Christ, not by possessions, appearance, or vocation. It is all about WHO you know.
    ·         My family—my fiercest cheerleaders through life’s journey. Challenges and detours along the way have tested our faith, but ultimately served to strengthen our bond and devotion to each other.
    ·          My church family—a fascinating group of imperfect people, each with unique personalities and talents, but collectively, we represent the body of Christ, a force to be reckoned with in today’s shifting world. Now is not the time to be timid. Now is the time to advance.
    ·         My job as a critical care nurse—every work day is a reality and gratitude check. Nursing tugs at my soul. It gives me the opportunity to demonstrate God’s love in tangible ways to the critically ill. I always think of this verse: “… I was sick and you looked after me …” (Matthew 25:36, NIV).
    ·         My dream to write—God sowed this vision in my heart. As I write, the seed continues to grow with daily discipline and nurturing. Sometimes my efforts wither in the heat of the day. But in the end, I know God will bring this bud to full bloom.

  • http://www.linchpinbloggers.com/ Don McAllister

    Great post! Great timing too for me. Thanks!

  • Anonymous

    Thanks, I needed that today … the reminder that so much more is good in my life than the  problems that can sometime take over and seem to block the sun.  And, after having written my list of 20 I was grateful that the list had barely begun.

  • Pattikayck

    Dark chocolate is on mine too. I smiled at that on yours.

    This morning I’m thankful I can see the golden leaves donated by the trees across the street.
    They actually twinkle on the grass as the gentle wind passes over them.

  • Rich Procter

    Michael — I am grateful for this one beautiful perfect day. I am grateful for blogposts like this one that remind me to be grateful. I am grateful for your suggestion — I’ve already started carrying a ‘gratitude stone.” I’m grateful for plays like “Our Town” that remind me that every day — ESPECIALLY average days like today, full of workaday tasks and “how ya doin’” social interactions — are astonishing things, full of wonder and magic. I’m grateful for every part of my life — my wonderful wife, my astonishing 15 year old daughter, a job I love, and kind, supportive friends. In my daily prayer, after my long list of thank yous, I often say to God, “You’ll never have a more grateful child. Thank you for everything.”

    A very helpful quote that I got from ‘constructive living’ teacher David K.Reynolds (who got it from Shoma Morita, I think) is, “You can’t be neurotic and grateful at the same time.” Only gratitude helps me, because being grateful is a natural way to express to thank and praise God.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      I love that quote from Shoma Morita. Gratitude is an antidote to do many ailments of the soul.

  • Baryinspired

    Love it!

  • http://www.timpeters.org Tim Peters

    Great thoughts. Reminded me of when I carried around a small cross in my pocket. Every time I touched the cross it reminded of Christ and his love.  Changed many situations from bad to good. 

  • http://www.jmlalonde.com Joe Lalonde

    I have a post scheduled for the day before Thanksgiving related to what I’m thankful for. Some of the items include my wife and family, my dogs, my job, and more.

    • http://www.jmlalonde.com Joe Lalonde

      Also, I really like the idea of carrying around an item to remind you to think of the items you are thankful for.

  • http://twitter.com/KellyCombs Kelly Combs

    We are focusing on gratitude for my Bible study for the month of November (in conjunction with Thanksgiving).  Doing some research on wikipedia (so you know it must be true *sarcasm*), gratitude is linked to better mental health, less depression, better sleeping and overall feelings of happiness and contentment.  Further it noted that Martin Luther called gratitude the “basic Christian attitude.”  

    I am so appreciative all my blessings, and I remember where they come from as well.  Amen.

    Thanks for the post.

  • http://www.momentsofgracelotr.com Anne Marie

    Among the things I am grateful for:
    My incredible nieces and nephews who make life so much fun
    The little loving caresses received from God
    My family and friends
    Writing and reading and time to do it and those I have met through such journeys
    Solitude
    Beautiful sunsets
    Warm, sunny days
    Joy and contentment
    A job so I can put money away
    You, Michael! And all those who provide such inspiration and motivation to better ourselves.

    God bless, Anne Marie :)

  • http://www.tamawestman.com Tama Westman

    Thanks for sharing this idea.

    At the recent CLASS Christian Writers Conference in Abiquiu, NM, I handed out similar small stones to those I met and chatted with, as a remembrance of not only our time together, but our commitment to pray one for another. I have a special stone for each of the editors, that I carried there in my pocket, and keep now by my computer. Every day I pick up the stones and remember our conversations, and pray for each person represented. Who knew so much intent could be contained in a simple stone? Hmm, I guess the Creator.  Blessings, Tama Westman, http://thetouchstones.wordpress.org

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      That’s a beautiful application. Thanks!

  • http://www.AuroraVPhotography.com Aurora

    I am intrigued by the fact that in many of the blogs I follow, the authors have chosen to write about conscious gratitude over the last few months–particularly because several months ago, I became frustrated with a good friend who NEVER seemed to be happy with his circumstances–and challenged him to a daily email I called, “20 Gratitudes and a Prayer” for 30 days…wherein each of use was required to send the other an email a day, with 20 things we were thanking God for, and one thing we wanted help with.

    At first, my friend didn’t even think he could come up with 5 things a day…but within a couple of weeks, he had learned to see things to be grateful for everywhere–the color of the sky…sidewalks with mica in them, in the rain…hot showers…being able to walk…

    Somehow, he’d gotten trapped into thinking that we should only thank God for BIG things–and was taking the little things–like having pizza delivered, when you don’t feel like cooking!–didn’t even show on his radar.

    He became so enthusiastic, he challenged his Bible study class to try the same thing!  :)

    I never feel I’m grateful enough–but there’s not a day that goes by, when I don’t see hundreds of things that remind me of how awesome God is, and how very, very much He blesses us–and I’m gratful to be seeing more of this, in public, lately!  :)

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      What a great exercise for friends to do together. Beautiful.

    • http://www.tnealtarver.wordpress.com TNeal

      I read your comment, Aurora, like a thriller with an intriguing opening. I raced to the end to find out how the story ended. You shared a great experience, one that translates well into anyone’s life. Thanks for sharing–Tom

    • http://www.tnealtarver.wordpress.com TNeal

      May I share your story with others? It’s so straightforward, simple, and practical.

  • http://www.redeemchristianity.org Redeem Christianity

    great article! we too often take what we have for granted and forget that we really deserve nothing! 

  • elise

    I am thankful for Ann Voskamp’s 1000 Gifts of Gratitude and her blog http://www.aholyexperience.com/. Ann has a beautiful way of expressing thanks and reminding me of sacred life that brings me to tears.

  • Elizjarrett

    Firstly let me just say that I am finding your blog so inspirational.

    Ok here goes but I’ll just do 10 for now:
    1. My close relationship with my parents and sisters
    2. My loving and supportive relationship with Ali
    3. The joy my dog provides and the limitless devotion he shows me
    4. My health, especially cancer free
    5. My good upbringing and financial stability compared to so many others
    6. The personal lessons I am learning being jobless
    7. Safety in Australia
    8. My participation as a mentor in a youth mentoring program
    9. My friends and their health
    10. God’s ability to forgive

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  • http://www.godsabsolutelove.com Patricia Zell

    At the very top of my list is thanking God for His faithfulness in helping my husband overcome a life-threatening illness. Back on August 22, he had open-heart surgery which went well, but over Labor Day weekend, he went into respiratory failure and ended up on a ventilator in cardiac intensive care. Since then, he has been in the hospital and in rehab. He is now completely off the vent, his trach has been removed, he is eating all of his meals, and he will probably come home next week just in time for Thanksgiving. He might not even need to have oxygen at home.

    At the beginning of this trial, God spoke to my heart that I was equipped to handle all the decisions I had to make. God surely led us to the right medical facilities, the right doctors, the right nurses, the right techs, and the right therapists. I am so appreciative of the dedication of all the medical professionals–they have been wonderful.

    Between preparing for a new rigorous course that I am now teaching, in keeping my students going through a long-term sub (for 6 weeks), and being with my husband, my participation in blogs and other social media has been put on the back burner. I am also thankful that things are settling down, so that I might share in the lives of all of you and might rejoice in the absolute love that God has for each and every one of us. 

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      I had no idea about your husband, Patricia. My prayers are with you and your husband!

    • http://www.tnealtarver.wordpress.com TNeal

      Patricia, I’m reading this on Thanksgiving Day and hope this finds you and your husband well and at home.

  • http://twitter.com/jamespinnick7 James Pinnick

    Well my #1 is my relationship with my Savior. Besides the ones I love past and present, He is all I have.

    James
    Author-The Last Seven Pages
    http://www.jamespinnick.com

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  • Sherri

    1. Salvation and my relationship with God
    2. That God has a perfect plan for my life and works it out daily
    3. Christian parents
    4. A wonderful, funny, smart, supportive husband
    5. A job that is also a ministry
    6. A car that is paid for
    7. A safe home that is our refuge
    8. The sound of newly canned jelly jars popping as they seal
    9. The rain we’ve had for two days – so greatly needed
    10. The fun of supporting my husband and watching him win a BBQ contest – he worked so hard
    11. Friends who support my writing and encourage me along the way
    12. Opportunities that come my way that are totally unexpected
    13. Encouragement that comes just when I need it
    14. The opportunity to pray for others
    15. Moments when I know God has used me to minister to someone
    16. Time alone in the car to listen to good music  and sing along at the top of my lungs
    17. Reminders that it’s not about me – it’s always about God and what he is doing
    18. An upcoming week off of work  :)
    19. A clean house
    20. A good night’s sleep

    What a wonderful reminder of how being thankful really turns our attitudes around. “Put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” If we spent our time being thankful and listing our blessings we would never have time to complain. What a challenge. Thank you for this opportunity to share and to encourage each other. I hope you and your family have a wonderful and blessed time of Thanksgiving. 

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Great list. Thanks! I hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving as well.

  • Defineyourgoal

    Good thoughts Michael! I challange you from Sweden :-)

    My grateful list 17/11-11
    1. I finally started to take action over my life so I can live the way I want
    2. I have a home (after backpacking and doing studies for more than 6 years this is amazing)
    3. I have good connection with my family again
    4. I start to feel true love for my family
    5. I’m gratful for having a strong personality that I can fully trust when I’m in sticky situations
    6. I have started to complete my projects I start
    7. I have the oppertunity to live on the money I have saved to do my own circus show and forfill that dream
    8. The love and support I get from my family
    9. That my family is always there for me
    10. I have taken care of my body and are able to exercise in a more consistent way
    11. Im eating healthy and I’m aware of how good I feel
    12. Im grateful to live in Halmstad cause it gives so much oppertunitys to forfill/hunt my dreams
    13. My researches in how the human brain works and how you can program it to do what you want has really paid of!
    14. I’m given the right oppertunitys from cirkus cirkör so I can clearly see my goals and actually be able to grab them and do them
    15. I have decorated my home in my way, the way I like it and the way I need it to function
    16. I’m aware of my adhd and I have probably found a solution on my attention disorder
    17. I will get that adhd survey done in january for free and I will get a medical answer
    18. The oppertunity dad, henrik and gwo gives me to be able to create my big dream performance
    19. I will start juggling again with a whole new training concept
    20. I put my effort in writing this list

    Thanks for doing all this for us Michael. Now: I have to read your lifeplan book :-)

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Excellent list! Thanks for sharing it here.

  • Damilola Okuneye

    Great motivation here Michael, i need to put this to practice.

  • http://twitter.com/hafelix Hector D Felix

    I like that quote, “You won’t get what you don’t have until you learn to be grateful for what you have.” I think that has to do with accepting where you are, setting your starting point, adjusting your attitude to be able to look forward and take your first step in the direction of where you want to go.

  • Anonymous

    Michael, thank you for the very good reminder.

    Your reference to glass-half-empty versus glass-half-full reminded me of a recent post on the topic of where (or whether) Faith fits in the framework of Optimism and Pessimism: http://wp.me/p1Llsq-31

  • Anonymous

    I’ve been meditating on I Thessalonians 5:17-19 “Rejoice evermore.  Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”  As others have pointed out, it doesn’t say “for” every thing give thanks, but “in” every thing give thanks.  As you have illustrated, we can give thanks despite our circumstances.

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