6 Great Stories of the Power of Gratitude

For the last couple of months, One Exceptional Life has spent a lot of time focusing on gratitude.  We have asked several guest writers to contribute to our Power of Gratitude Series. This post is a compilation of all of those guest posts. 

I encourage you to check out each article, pin, tweet, share, and comment. You have the opportunity to do so with this roundup post as well. Above all, take the message that there is so much power in gratitude when you recognize how much we all have to be thankful for in our lives.  

Peace in the Power of Gratitude  

 We all use the term “I’m so glad……” in daily conversation. In fact, it’s so common that we don’t really think about what we are actually glad about. Glad, though, is not the same as grateful. I have experienced things in my life for which I was glad and things for which I was deeply grateful. The things I am glad for are usually temporary and did not have any significant impact on my life.

Gratitude is a far more impacting occurrence. In fact, it can be life-changing whereas, being glad has significantly less power. Gratitude is a state of being. A person who practices continual gratitude is a more peaceful person and there is a reason for this.

They have discerned what things matter most in their life and have set themselves to focus on only those. This person knows what brings them peace and they know what creates chaos. They choose peace and practice the power of gratitude which maintains that peace.  Read on for the rest of Peace in the Power of Gratitude. 

How to be Grateful in Hard Times:  15 Powerful Ways

I used to think of myself as a grateful person. Then one day, I was handed a challenge. Go one day without complaining. Simple, right? I was going through a really hard time in life, but I still thought it would be easy. Instead, I was hit with the realization. I was using my struggle in life as an excuse to complain and not be grateful.

I realized through that one day that finding gratitude was something that I needed to practice daily. Through my journey of finding gratitude, I came up with 15 different things I could use to learn how to be grateful in hard times.

It’s Not About Having Gratitude, It’s About Finding Gratitude.  This was the biggest statement I was missing in life. I thought having gratitude and being optimistic were personality traits. But I never realized that instead, finding gratitude was a practice.

I needed to start learning how to be grateful in hard times and work daily on walking with God and being grateful to Him for everything He was doing in my life, even if life wasn’t close to how I imagined it would be.  Read the rest of How to be Grateful in Hard Times: 15 Powerful ways.

How an Attitude of Gratitude Changed My Life

I am a very grateful person. However, it wasn’t always like that. You see I used to be a very negative person. So negative, Negative Nancy wanted nothing to do with me.  But then one day I stumbled onto something that forever changed my life, an attitude of gratitude.

Now I would be lying if I said this change took place overnight. But the truth is it took months and is still something I have to practice on purpose, daily. Having an attitude of gratitude means you find the good in people, things, and situations. 

It is how you look at the world and respond. An attitude of gratitude takes work and constant practice until it becomes a habit. Even then you have to take a deep breath and make the choice to find the good. But the benefits of practicing gratitude are enormous.  Read more about How an Attitude of Gratitude Changed my Life.

What is a Cue Card of Gratitude?

It all started with an idea!  It was a hot evening in Windsor, Ontario Canada. We were riding our bicycles down to the riverfront for the annual Windsor–Detroit International Freedom Festival fireworks display.  We were discussing the upcoming participation of some friends in a 100-mile bike ride called “One Helluva Ride” in Michigan just a few weeks later. Somehow, by the end of that conversation, I decided that I was going to sign up and complete the 100-mile bike ride as well.  Little did I know that a cue card of gratitude was going to be a significant part of the adventure.

During my preparations, I realized that in the absence of a riding partner and other moral support, I was going to need a strategy for encouraging myself…especially when my strength waned and the distance felt interminable.  Read more to find out just what exactly is a Cue Card of Gratitude.

Showing Gratitude:   It’s the Right Thing to Do

 Regardless of how you celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, the actual act of “thanksgiving” is a powerful gesture. Not only on one special occasion every year but as an integral part of everyday life. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV, the Apostle Paul requests, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” When we give thanks we are obedient to God. There are blessings in showing power of gratitude!

Simply telling someone “thank you” can brighten their day. Try it and see! I don’t think I have ever told someone to thank you and they responded with a scowl on their face. When you tell someone thank you, you are acknowledging not only their efforts but their very existence.

You are telling them that they were noticed and that their presence matters. By thanking them, you are speaking worth and value into their life. Not only that, but you are making them feel appreciated. That is powerful!  Read more for Showing Gratitude: It’s the Right Thing to Do.

How to Find Eternal Gratitude in God’s Promises 

 Jesus came to earth to pay our sin debt, allowing us to escape the curse of eternal separation from God.  In eternity, never again will we suffer condemnation for the sins committed in our bodies. Never again will we be bombarded with guilt, anger, regret, sorrow, or fear.  And thankfully, we will never, ever suffer the horrors of hell!

We are FREE, FREE, FREE!  This is why we have eternal gratitude.  Lord Jesus has set us FREE! 

Because of Jesus’ unselfish sacrifice, shedding His blood to erase our sin, when we obey God’s will and believe in His Son, we are instantly translated, out of the kingdom of darkness, and with eternal gratitude into the Kingdom of Light!  Read more for How to Find Eternal Gratitude in God’s Promises. 

I hope you’ve enjoyed the Power of Gratitude Series.  If you’re interested in our 40-Day Gratitude Calendar, complete with journal prompts, the link is above in the yellow box.  I highly recommend keeping a gratitude journal, whereby you write 3-5 daily things that you’re thankful for.  Other ideas include a gratitude jar or gratitude cards to make things even more fun.  For more gratitude prompts refer to Gratitude from A to Z: Things to be Thankful for.

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What is your favorite way to express gratitude?  Do you journal? Are you praising God for all of your blessings?  Comment below with at least 3 things that you’re thankful for. Let’s tap into that power of gratitude!

If you’re ready for a season of growth when it comes to navigating the storms of life and rekindling the joy and peace that God intends for you, I’m excited to support you on your path. A personalized conversation can be a significant step forward in achieving your personal and spiritual goals. 

Schedule a Joyful Living Strategy Call with me to talk about how I can help you with the next steps in your quest for more joy, peace, and greater faith. Click here to schedule a call.

Consider this an opportunity to invest in your spiritual well-being. Let’s connect to help you take significant steps toward a more joyful and peaceful life.