We can complain because rose bushes have thorns,
or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses. Attitude is Everything.
The Attitude of Gratitude: Why complaining about thorns is missing the point
I’ll be honest, I really enjoy complaining about the little things in life, and I have been known to do so quite often. Just recently, as I was waking up in the morning, I complained to my husband that my pillow was too flat and that I couldn’t sleep on it…until he reminded me that just a few months ago we had gone to an expensive hotel and slept on their pillows, which were just as flat.
Life isn’t perfect, and that’s okay
Life isn’t perfect. We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses. It’s not always easy to be grateful for what we have, but it’s important to try. This year I will work on cultivating an attitude of gratitude, and I hope you do too!
There’s always something to be grateful for
We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses. It’s all in our attitude. So next time you find yourself bemoaning the difficult parts of your life, stop for a moment to consider all that you have to be grateful for. What are three things you’re thankful for right now?
A grateful attitude attracts more good things
Many people believe that a negative attitude attracts more bad things and a positive attitude attracts good things. In fact, research has shown that this might be true. If you think about it, people often complain when they’re feeling down or if they don’t like something. Instead of focusing on what’s wrong with your situation, it’s important to focus on what you do have in life and all the positives in your life.
Complaining creates negative energy
We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or we can rejoice because thorn bushes have roses. What you choose to focus on has a lot to do with your attitude. Complaining and focusing on negatives just creates more negative energy. Instead, think about how grateful you are for all that you do have in your life. The next time something doesn’t go your way, try to remind yourself of all the things that have gone well and be grateful for them instead!
Practice gratitude every day
When we stop and think about what we have in our lives, it’s easy to find something to be grateful for. But if it’s not coming easily, here are a few questions that might help you find the good in your day.
1) What did you eat today? 2) Did you get to spend time with someone you love? 3) Did you learn something new? 4) Did anything go well today? 5) Who made your day better than usual?
