Sure, we're polite. We always say "please" and "thank you"... to strangers at least. But for some reason, it seems that we often forget to say "thank you" and show our appreciation to the people who are closest to us; to our family, our co-workers, our employees, our teachers. We especially forget to say "thank you" to the universe for our many blessings.

Saying thank you and showing appreciation can be done in many ways. But the most important thing is simply recognizing how fortunate we all are. The fact is, in this country, even our slums are better than the best of what many other countries in the world have to offer.

Our lack-based protective mind continuously looks for more (like a squirrel hording nuts for winter) and has a tendency to overlook and discount what we already do have. Consequently, unless we consistently remind ourselves to look for "what's right" in our lives, we often only see "what's wrong."

It takes courage to "want what we've got" and be grateful for what we already have. The ego will tell us that if we spend too much time appreciating what we have, we won't attempt to get "more" and disaster will eventually befall us. This is how the ego keeps us on the high-speed treadmill of "more". The fact is, however, that there is never an end to the chase. (We think it will end, but notice from your own experience that it never does!)

The key to remember is that wanting what you currently have has nothing to do with not getting any more. Just because you truly enjoy and appreciate tonight's meal does not mean you won't want to eat tomorrow. To the contrary, appreciating it fully motivates you to take even more action in the hopes of enjoying this wonderful situation again.

The universe has a rule that states, "If you don't appreciate what you've got then you won't get anymore." In short, if you don't appreciate one, you don't need two. Again, it's the old "use it (as in appreciate it fully) or lose it" deal. The power of appreciation particularly holds true when it comes to our finances. If you want more abundance, be grateful for and properly manage all the wealth you have now. Remember, what you focus on expands.

A disaster like September 11th need not strike to make us appreciate all the abundance and blessings in our lives. Fully appreciating all the people, all the money, all the work, all the great many things you currently have in your life and expressing your appreciation and gratitude to others is one of the keys to living a fulfilled and truly ‘rich’ life.

It's time to focus not on what we lack, but to fully appreciate what we already have. To give gratitude for our health, our family, our friends, and our current wealth, however large or small, right now. It's time to count our blessings instead of discounting them.

EXERCISE:

Who and what have you not fully appreciated?

Today list all the people and things in your life for which you are grateful. In some special way, say "thank you" and show your appreciation to the people who mean the most to you, as well as to the Universe for all that you have.

Declaration:



I am totally grateful for who and what I have in my life right now.



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