Happy Thanksgiving

9 WAYS TO CULTIVATE GRATITUDE

1. 1
    
   Notice your day-to-day world from a point of gratitude and be amazed at all the goodness we take for granted. The video "A Good Day" from TEDxSF can get you in
   the right frame of mind.
 
2. 2
    
   Keep a gratitude journal. All it requires is noting one or more things you are grateful for on a daily basis. No fancy notebook, no computer program required.
 
3. 3
    
   If you identify something or someone with a negative trait (the cold conference room), switch it in your mind to a positive trait (the conference room with
   a great view).
4. 4
    
   Gratitude requires humility, which the dictionary defines as "modest and respectful." Explore where it fits in your life. The article"Humility: A Quiet, Underappreciated Strength"is a good start.
 
5. 5
    
   Give at least one compliment daily. It can
   be to a person or it can
   be asking someone to share your appreciation
   of something else ("I love how quiet it is in the morning, don’t you?").
 
6. 6
    
   When you find yourself
   in a bad situation ask:
   What can I learn? When
   I look back on this, without emotion, what will I be grateful for?
7. 7
    
   Vow to not complain, criticize, or gossip for 10 days. If you slip, rally your willpower and keep going. Notice the amount of energy you were spending on negative thoughts and actions.
 
8. 8
    
   Sound genuinely happy
   to hear from the people who call you on the phone. Whether the caller responds with surprise or delight, he’ll know you value speaking with him.
 
9. 9
    
   Become involved in a cause that is important
   to you. Donate money or time or talent. By joining in, you’ll gain greater appreciation for the organization, and it will appreciate you more, too.

-from Unstuck.com