“Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity…it makes sense of our past, brings peace into today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” – Melody Beattie
One of my major fears is going into the grave with my gifts and talents still intact. I am reminded of an elderly lady I was having a conversation with about this very subject of not sharing your God-given stuff, she said to me, “Veli, if I were to die now, I wouldn’t like to be viewed in my coffin because I would have gone mad.” Bitterness and anger will never motivate you to unleash your power and greatness, but having the attitude of gratitude will help you do this.
A moment of gratitude makes a huge difference in your attitude. Gratitude is a way to appreciate what you have instead of always reaching for something new in the hope it will make you happier. Expressing your gratitude towards others is one of the biggest gifts you can give to them. As we show our thankfulness to family, friends, acquaintances and strangers, our hearts expand and we lift each other up. Research has shown that the practice of gratitude helps us cope better with stress, improves our health and increases positive feelings such as hope, peace and happiness and improves happiness by 25%.
Here are some ways to cultivate gratitude on a regular basis:
- Be thankful for who you are instead of criticising yourself which erodes your self-confidence. Your special talents, skills, personality and qualities all make up the unique and special person you are. Don’t waste your precious time and energy wishing you were somebody else.
- Make a gratitude list. Get comfortable, find a quiet place, and write ten things that you are thankful for in life. Read your gratitude list often to remind you of all the good in your life.
- Recognise each day as a gift. Each new day is a ‘gift’ to us and the only appropriate response for this gift is gratefulness.
- Thank people for their service. There are people who make a positive impact in your life, however small this can be, thank them and appreciate them.
- Take nothing for granted. Sometimes we lose sight of all that we have, which is human but it’s important to stop and think about what or who you might be taking for granted. This will help you remember the many blessings in life.
The world has long been waiting for your light to shine, now is the time my friend to respond and shine even brighter. You have gifts and talents far beyond your imagination and you deserve the best that life has to offer.
Veli Ndaba is a Professional and Motivational Speaker, Life-Coach and Neuro Linguistic Programming Practitioner, Author of two books (You Are Born to Win and Your Dream is Calling You), Newspaper Columnist and Entrepreneur. To book him to help you and your team unleash your greatness, contact him on veli@velindaba.co.za , www.velindaba.co.za and 083 304 9773
