2020 Home for the Holidays

Page 8 2020 Home for the Holidays LINCOLN DAILY NEWS November 25, 2020 Well known evangelist and motivational speaker Joyce Meyer had some tips for getting off to a start simply. Meyer wrote in her blog, Everyday Answers with Joyce Meyer, “I want you to try something. As you go about your day, make a point to be grateful for the things you may otherwise not even notice. “For instance, I really like coffee. Sometimes I take a moment in the morning to thank God for this “little thing” that brings me joy and comfort. “Or how about the blessing of having hot water? It’s something we can easily take for granted, but it makes our lives so much better! “As you begin to thank God for the seemingly small things in your life, it will help you to focus on the positive and everything you do have. As result, you will also be much happier!” This is a good start and one that is personal. You don’t have to include anyone else in these acts of gratitude, so you can grow comfortable with the concept on your own. When you are ready, then go a step further. While thanking God should be first, thanking those you interact with daily should not be excluded. Andrew Merle in the article “How to have an attitude of gratitude” published by the Huffington Post, talks about the approach of the author of “The School of Greatness,” Lewis Howes. Merle summed it up, “An attitude of gratitude means making it a habit to express thankfulness and appreciation in all parts of your life, on a regular basis, for both the big and small things alike.” He quotes Howes, “If you concentrate on what you have, you’ll always have more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you’ll never have enough.” Merle included other suggestions found in Howes’ book. Howes encouraged readers to start everyday making a mental note of what they are grateful for and who. Then, at the end of the day, share with the people you are with your expressions of gratitude for them. Also, he says we should acknowledge ourselves, “Acknowledge yourself for what you have done and accomplished in the last day/week/ month/year. Instead of comparing yourself to others, give yourself credit for the big and small things you have been doing!” Merle’s article also suggested starting a gratitude journal that you can go back and look at when you are struggling. By writing down every day the things you are grateful Continued n