“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.” – Dr. Maya Angelou
There must be a million benefits of gratitude. Whenever life takes my breath away, I’m reminded of what I’ve been given and my attitude changes almost instantly and becomes more positive. The list is endless. From some of the biggest — health, family and friends, love and life — to the smallest — a birdsong, a flower unfolding, a star twinkling in the sky, we have been given so much.
Gratitude, I think, happens when we become aware that what you’ve been given is far greater than what you can give.
Life is crazy these days, with the pace and speed at which we normally operate. But what would happen if we slow down, even for just a moment?
How different our lives would be if for one moment each day, we could walk outside, stand in silence and look at the sky, and see how amazing life really is.
The Million Benefits of Gratitude
The benefits of gratitude are everywhere. Our spirits are lifted when we remember our life in abundance rather than from the angle of what we don’t have. We can smile, and live authentically. Our health improves, our hearts are lighter, we are empowered. We shine. Life becomes brighter rather than darker. We give to others because we realize we can, and want to, and the benefits multiply endlessly, all because we are centered on gratitude.
What a difference our lives would make, and be, if we remember how much we’ve been given. A few favorite quotes on gratitude:
No one is as capable of gratitude as one who has emerged from the kingdom of night. – Elie Wiesel
The essence of all beautiful art, all great art, is gratitude. – Friedrich Nietzsche
I have walked this earth for 30 years, and, out of gratitude, want to leave some souvenir. – Vincent Van Gogh
One looks at life as a gift, a painting of lights and darks, each defining the other, not a series of good and bad things. Giving thanks, and often, frees the spirit and makes the heart secure. – Fay Bohlayer
Do you have a favorite way of remembering gratitude or a favorite quote? Thank you for sharing with us in the comments below!
I love these, all of them. I always think of Rebecca Wells’ quote that “I will try to give thanks for gifts strangely, beautifully, painfully wrapped” (I’m perhaps remembering the adjectives in the wrong order. Which reminds me that there is much to be grateful for even when we can’t see it right away. xox
That is such a great reminder and a beautiful quote. Thank you, Lindsey!
So beautiful. I’m always drawn to your words but was especially taken with your pictures today. Gorgeous!
Thank you, thank you, Stacey!