Giving Thanks

Living in Gratitude--The Way to a Joyful Life

This Thanksgiving as your belly swells from the Thanksgiving meal with all the stuffings, here's a chance for us all to focus on giving thanks for all things and in all situations.

That may seem difficult for some. In these tough economic times, I’ve heard of many painful struggles. I’ve also reported many stories of worse pain than financial loss—the death of a loved one. Many are grieving today because cancer claimed their spouse. Others are mourning the loss of a soldier who won’t be home for the holidays this year or the death of a child from a senseless accident.

There are many things in life we just can’t understand. There are many moments in life when it seems almost insane to be giving thanks for the crisis. But I think what it really means to give thanks for all things and in all situations is to harbor a general attitude of gratitude. In other words, allow a thankful spirit to reside in you through all of life’s circumstances. It’s not necessarily that we’re giving thanks for tragedy but, I guess you could say, that we’re remembering what there is to be grateful for while in the midst of the tragedy. Yes, it’s a bit of the old adage, “count your blessings”—but isn’t that really what’s best for all of us? In the end, if we see the glass less than half-full then we’re depriving ourselves of the opportunity to discover real treasures, real hope—(the full half of the glass).

When we have sincere hope, passion, and gratitude, life comes alive. It’s as though an electrical current races through our bloodstream charging and revitalizing every cell in our body. Wow! Even a double-shot cappuccino can’t do that… (okay, maybe if it’s a straight espresso shot). But this is the natural high that comes from living in a continual state of thankfulness.

Maybe you’ve seen the bracelets that some people are wearing these days. They’re just a token bracelet to help them conquer a huge and prevalent problem—complaining. The bracelet is switched from one wrist to the other whenever the person complains. The idea is to make it a complaint-free day for 21 days in order to break the complaining habit. I think we ought to instead wear gratitude bracelets. Don’t concentrate only on not complaining. Wear your favorite bracelet and every time you look at it give thanks. Then if you find you’re forgetting to give thanks, switch the bracelet to your other wrist. Focus on what you want to grow bigger in your life. So, by having a gratitude bracelet on your wrist it will prompt you to live in a more grateful state. When you’re living in gratitude there is no room for complaining. Life just seems to take on an easy going way even when some things might not be easy. Try it, you’ll like it.

Phoebe Chongchua
		About the author:
		Phoebe Chongchua is an award-winning journalist who appears on TV, in print, and on the Internet. She's a former ABC affiliate News Reporter/Newscaster who founded Live Fit Magazine in 2004, recognizing how the journalism industry is rapidly moving online. The magazine has evolved frrom producing content only for LFM to producing much-needed video feature news stories and documentaries for companies and associations. Phoebe discovered an unfulfilled niche market and expanded LFM in order to meet the needs of a growing marektplace. Her clients are happy she did! Live Fit Magazine produces video news stories that entice viewing audiences to watch the video, spread the message, buy the product or visit the establishment. It's a creative, credible approach to marketing companies, products, and services. Few companies offer what Live Fit Magazine can do for your company in a single feature video story. Phoebe works with clients to seamlessly integrate their newly produced video into their current marketing materials. She offers expert advice on new marketing strategies and call-to-action campaigns. Her innovative efforts keep companies positioned for success and their customers regularly watching new and informative videos.
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