Our world has gone mad.
I imagine you’ve heard this phrase recently, or some variation of it. And those who make such statements are quick to point fingers of blame: it’s the liberals fault, it’s Bush’s fault, it’s the terrorists fault; and so on. Well, if you ask me, the ingrates are running the asylum! What’s lacking from the collective consciousness of the world is gratitude.
For starters, let’s take the media. It’s no secret the media, in all its various forms, favors negativity. The media, in short, are a fraternity of fault-finders. Ask any prior or standing President about the media, and you’ll get an earful on this topic. No matter who’s in office, the pundits have a field day. And the general public follows suit. When I talk politics with anyone—a rare conversation for me—I find myself talking to a sound bite, not a person. I don’t sense a genuine conversation. I don’t hear original thoughts. I rarely hear good questions or authentic curiosity. I hear a person who’s made up his or her mind based solely on what they hear on the television or read in the papers. Such conversations tend to be black and white…and usually spiced with bitter resentment.
But the negativity is not limited to the media. Faultfinders are everywhere. In homes. In businesses. In classrooms. Let’s face it, everyone is imperfect so faults are easy to find…if you’re looking for them.
Why not be a good-finder?
Yes, there are plenty of things wrong with the world. All of us are surrounded by flawed people, unsavory circumstances, and crooked politicians. So when is the last time you blessed unfavorable circumstances? And from my readers I hear a collective, “Huh?”
In Joseph Murpy’s outstanding “The Power of the Subconscious Mind” he provides this powerful affirmation: “I put up no resistance to conditions that seem to overcome. Rather I BLESS them! I know all things are working together for my good, and I am working with them in the wisdom and powers of the Spirit. I put myself and all affairs lovingly in the hands of God, with a childlike trust. That which is for my highest good will come to me.”
You see, gratitude is, among other things, a choice. When you adopt an attitude of gratitude in all things, not just those that appear favorable on the surface, you flow positive energy at all times. A grateful mind always expects the best, and gives the best. Whether you flow positive energy (gratitude, love, joy) or negative energy (anger, resentment, complaints) is a matter of choice. It is not dependent on who’s in office or the unemployment rate. It is dependent on YOU.
You would not be you if not for all the things that happened in your life, good and bad. The way you’ve handled adversity says a lot about your character. On your journey to a goal, the way you’ve responded to roadblocks determines whether or not you attain the goal. You would never appreciate the exhilaration of reaching the mountain top if not for the heartache experienced in the valley. So why not give thanks for all things, even those that did not seem to be favorable at the time.
When you fill your mind with gratitude daily, you attract differently. You vibrate differently. You radiate joy. When you become a good-finder, you validate the good in every person you meet. You become a life-affirming person. You build up, and don’t tear down. You leave every person with a feeling of increase, not failure.
Isn’t that a lot more desirable than finding faults or expressing ingratitude?
Yes, the world we live in seems mad. But gratitude will cure the madness. So let’s take back the asylum. Let’s build a tidal wave of gratitude and douse the world! It starts with you. YOU can change world. That’s how special you are!
To contribute your special gratitude essay to my soon-to-be published best-selling book, log onto www.telltheworldchangetheworld.com. Let’s share the power of gratitude with the Universe. Your story counts! And it’s doing no good to anyone buried beneath burdens, gripes, and fears. It needs to be shared! So show me what you’ve got!
