This week my virtual assistant, who helps me do everything with social media, posts these blogs, and finds me speaking engagements, asked me to come up with three gratitude statements. Because I love to write, mental and physical health are top priorities, and inspiring other people is my passion, I came up not with three, but rather ten. Sorry about that! ????

As you sit down to a special meal with your loved ones this week, perhaps some of mine will jog your heart into things for which you’re grateful.

#1. Be grateful for the good bad and ugly, the great and small in life; for indeed, “The Lord hath made them all”. Everything has a reason and will be revealed at the right time and for the right purpose.

#2. Forgive everyone and everything in all circumstances, no matter what! We don’t have the answers. Never have. Never will.

#3. Be the pillar of good and light, a beacon of hope and joy, and a giver of love and kindness to all Beings on earth. Everyone and everything is placed on the earth for a divine reason. The buzzing fly, noisy neighbor, and cranky boss all serve to remind us to step away, breathe, and return with listening and an open heart.

#4. Appreciate the little things more and the big things less. The sunrise, the flake of snow, and the falling leaf all are more important than the “big raise”, the perfect vacation, and the expensive present. Pay attention to the natural gifts around you every moment of every day.

#5. Let go of all anger and hate. It’s okay to have these feelings, for as humans, emotions are part of our experience. However, harboring negativity and resentment only leads to more anger and hate.

#6. See beauty in all things, speak truth at all times, hear positivity with every sound, reach out in kindness with every handful of service, embrace love with every heartbeat, move forward with bold steps, and tune in to God and spirit with every breath. Let your senses be your life’s guide.

#7. Acknowledge divine order is working in, through, and around all people and circumstances. You never have to do anything. Fixing only makes things worse.

#8. Be the champion to those who lean on you. Holding someone up when they’re down brings solace, love, and peace. And, when the time comes when you need a shoulder, there’s already one built in.

#9. Let go of pride when asking for help from a friend. Everyone needs help. We’re not less than for putting our needs out to those we love.

#10. Have a stimulated mind, balanced emotions, healthy body, connection to spirit, abundance in all things, and creative passion. This is what living a life of greatness is all about.

I challenge you to pick one of these gratitude statements, try it on for size, and let me know how this works for you. In doing so, you will change the way you see and change the way you live.