Hello, November!! Is it just me or has 2019 kind of flown by? November is the month of Thanksgiving, the month of “giving thanks.” For this reason, I have decided to start this month off by sharing with you the habits of grateful people. Let’s make this month what it is! November is a good reminder of the importance of love, family, forgiveness, and saying “thank you” to all the people that have loved and supported you throughout the year.

Habits Of Grateful People

Respectful of The Circle of Life

They aren’t known to push the thoughts of life and death away. This doesn’t mean they dwell on it and let it control their every thought. However, it means that they use these thoughts to give themselves a reality check. This might sound a little on the morbid side, but it makes sense if you think about it. When you think about “endings” it makes you more appreciative and grateful for the present moment. When you are faced with the reality that we aren’t promised tomorrow, you might be more apt to “give thanks” for today.

For example, sometimes while rocking my little ones or laying in bed with my boys, I am struck with the thought that there will be a last time. Just like there was a last time that I fed them a bottle, or changed their diaper. This always breaks my heart a bit and makes me want to soak in all of these moments, even when I am stressed and exhausted.

Take The Time to Notice The Little Things

Grateful people tend to take the time to notice the little things and they also realize that most “little” things in life are actually the “big” things. Take the time to smell the coffee, the roses, or the fresh bread baking in the oven. Whatever little thing makes you smile. I know that as I have gotten older the little things seem to mean so much more to me. For example, the smell of Jergen’s hand lotion or Vick’s Vapor Rub always brings back memories of my Mamaw. Never take those little things for granted.

Expectations Are Kept in Check

Grateful people tend to keep their expectations in check. They don’t expect life to just hand them everything that is good. You have to work for what you want. Good things aren’t always going to happen to good people. The harsh reality is that no matter how “good” you are bad things will still happen to you. Life is unfair, but grateful people are able to still see the good.

“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorns have roses,” -Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr

No Preconditions to Their Happiness

Grateful people have no preconditions to their happiness. Meaning they don’t have the thought process of “if this happens then I will be happy.” Nope. They choose to be happy whether they get what they want or not. Happiness comes from within. Being truly happy and grateful comes from the realization that we can’t change what is happening to us, but we can control how we react.

Grateful People Are Hopeful People

Grateful people always have hope. While they know that life isn’t perfect, they know that life can change in the blink of an eye. It might be looking dark one day, and the next day you wake up and it is all sunshine and rainbows. You can’t have a rainbow without the rain and grateful people always have that in mind. I always try to cling to my faith. That I am not in control so I don’t want to spend too much time worrying or feeling despair over something that I can’t control.

Aren’t Afraid to Set Boundaries

Setting limits or boundaries with certain people is not a bad thing. It took me a long time to realize this because so many people made me feel bad for “cutting” people out of my life. However, I have realized that sometimes I have to take a step back for my own sanity. The bitter truth is that you are what you hang around. If you are around negativity than you will tend to be more negative. There is nothing wrong with setting boundaries if it is for the betterment of yourself and your family. Surround yourself with people that are positive and uplifting and you will find that you start to mirror them.

Can Forgive and Let Go

Don’t carry around the torch of bitterness. Bitterness will just eat at you until you have nothing left. Grateful people tend to be forgiving people. They understand that you can’t truly live a happy, grateful life without forgiving and letting go of the bitterness.

Aren’t Afraid to Work at Being Grateful

Good things take time and effort. The same goes for learning to be grateful because sometimes you really do have to work at it. Gratefulness doesn’t always come naturally especially when you are going through some really dark storms in your life. In times like this, you have to be ready to work for it. Do whatever it takes to remain in a grateful mindset. Some examples:

• Read your Bible
• Speak with others
• Pray
• Start a gratitude journal- write down what you are thankful for
• Read uplifting affirmations or quotes
• Seek help, if need be, from counseling

Help Others

Grateful people tend to volunteer and help others. It is empowering to help others in need and it can always serve as a good reminder that you have so many things to be grateful for. The purest expression of gratitude is giving back to others.

Believe Change is Inevitable

Grateful people believe that change is inevitable. However, instead of being pulled forward, kicking and screaming, out of fear and worry, they choose to stay in the present moment and remain grateful. I know that sometimes it is easier for me to look at the smaller picture when things seem to be changing all around me. I always circle back to the love of my family, which is constant. Give thanks and watch blessings unfold from the chaos.

Teach Their Children to Be Grateful

Grateful people tend to pass on their ability to their children. It is extremely important for me to teach my children the attitude of gratitude. The habits of grateful people can be taught. Children absorb everything so practice what you preach.

In closing, I hope you found this list of habits of grateful people to be inspiring. Life really is too short to cry over the things you can’t change. Smile. Breathe. Give thanks. Remain hopeful. And above all else, love and be loved.

Happy Thanksgiving Month!!

“In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18