Gratitude is a state of being that occurs when we begin to pay real attention to the wonderful gifts life has given us. No life is void of these gifts. Every one of us has numerous things to be grateful for. But you don’t have to trust me about this. Do the simple exercise below for and see what happens. The Gratitude Exercise Let’s start with things we usually take for granted, but are actually incredibly wonderful. Take the time to focus on each of these and give thanks for each one. That’s all you have to do. In fact, you will benefit if you only read the list. # Life -- The entire living, breathing, laughing, crying, loving, hating, hoping, giving, taking, wet, dry, up, down, good, bad, amazing, miraculous thing. Always surprising, always changing, always birthing, living and dying. Always awful and awe-full. Always transforming, resurrecting, destroying and mystifying. What an incredible journey! # The Universe -- About 15 billion years ago, this creative miracle burst into existence. Out of nothing, mind you, out of nothing. Then after about 13 or so billion years life emerged on our planet and finally, about 2 million years ago, we showed up. Science says that given the mathematical odds, none of this is possible -- there must be purposefulness in the nature of things. # The Galaxy -- We live in a galaxy called the Milky Way. It’s size alone is breathtaking. If you got in a starship at one end of the Milky Way and traveled at the speed of light (186,000 miles per SECOND!), it would take you 100,000 years to reach the other side. Don’t ask how many galaxies there are -- you wouldn’t believe it. ---

Birth, Life , Death -- Why would I be grateful for death? Because it is part of the natural cycle of things. Because it makes rebirth possible. Because it allows us to say goodbye to what is finished and done. Because it makes starting over a reality.
Earth, Sky, Ocean, Lakes, Nature, Insects, Trees, Butterflies, Mosquitoes, Ants, Sand, Rivers, Mountains, Deserts, and thank goodness it's all in color!
Bodies, Arms, legs, tongues, hair (for those that have it), fingernails, taste buds, eyes, ears, sexual organs and toes, to name a few.
Family, Friends, Business Associates, Clerks, Mailpersons, Waitpersons, Garbage Men, Firemen, Cops and Some Politicians And Attorneys.
This Country, A place where we can go and do and think and worship and earn and spend and gather together and say our piece.# Your Personal Gifts -- The special things that make you who you are and who you are not. Your unique, quirky self. Your hopes, habits, skills, inadequacies, vision and loves.
Food , Of Course!!!
Your Own Special List -- Take the time to make a list of your own. Ask your family and friends to join in. This part of the exercise is extremely powerful.
The ability to express gratitude is something to feel grateful for. Gratitude makes the heart pump better, cleans the arteries, strengthens the smile muscles, increases sexual desire and ability, tones skin and changes fat to muscle. It can lift depression, restore lost love, remove old resentments and fill the heart with glowing warmth. Try it -- you’ll like it.
I am deeply grateful for every one of my readers. You make it possible for me to do what I love -- write and heal. Thank you so much! If you want more tough-minded tools for weight loss and successful living please email me at Matt_Coyote@bellsouth.net.