Gratitude Could Save Your Marriage!

Does thinking about the holidays get you feeling overwhelmed? I know how you feel. Try this instead: Be Grateful!

November is a great time to think about everything you’re grateful for. The holidays are in full swing and the rush of events keeps us busy. It’s easy to forget to slow down and make a mental list of everything we have to be happy about.

Most of the time we’re focused on the stressful things in life, our jobs, deadlines, shopping, decorating, paying bills. I know I have been guilty of getting myself overloaded and then I start thinking negatively.

STOP, Take a Breath and Enjoy the Beauty of the Present Moment!

Like I am reminding you right now, I sometimes have to remind myself to stop, take a breath and enjoy the beauty of the season all around me.

If you’re having a bad day, or someone was unkind to you, or maybe things are a little difficult right now, this is a good time to recall all the things you have in your life that are working. For example, it’s easy to forget how lucky we are to be healthy, or to be able to walk or ride a bike, to sing or enjoy a nice cup of coffee or tea. Think about how wonderful it is to have eyes to see and a tongue to taste delicious foods, arms for hugging and lips for kissing. I sometimes just feel grateful for the roof over my head and a soft bed to sleep in. It seems more often we slip into being self-critical or judging someone else, instead of focusing on what’s positive. Or, do you constantly focus on your list of things to do? Let's try a different kind of list.

Take a few moments right now, pull out a paper and pen, write down 10 things you have to be grateful for…and don’t forget yourself! This is what the holiday season is really about, not all the pressure we put on ourselves to do everything perfectly. Gratitude May Save Your Marriage!

I once heard an amazing story (in Success Magazine) about how Gratitude saved a marriage. Yes, it’s true. The husband was always complaining about his wife, things he didn’t like about her, they were arguing all the time and he just didn’t know if he wanted to stay married. His coach suggested that for 30 days, he should write down 5 things each day that he appreciated about his wife. So each day the husband wrote down simple things: her hair looks pretty today, I appreciate how she smiled at me, I’m grateful for that delicious dinner she made and how sexy she looks in that 1 pair of shoes, that she picked up my dry cleaning and how she loves and cares for our children.

The most amazing thing happened. After the 30 days was over, the coach asked the man how he felt about his wife now. He said he couldn’t believe how in love they were. It was like when they first met. Not only was he completely happy, his wife could feel the change in him and she began to be nicer and happier too. She responded to his gratitude, with more love and kindness, even though she knew nothing about the list.

Imagine what you could do with the power of gratitude. Happy Wishes to You and Yours, Thanks for being a part of our lives, we are grateful for you.