Over time it has been my discovery that the more I do something the more innate it becomes. Writing each day has made stringing words together easier and faster. Working out daily has brought me to better physical condition. Focusing and openly expressing what I am grateful for has made me able to broaden my perception of what I should be thankful for.    

Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire,
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don’t know something
For it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations
Because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge
Because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you’re tired and weary
Because it means you’ve made a difference.

It is easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are
also thankful for the setbacks.

GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles
and they can become your blessings.
Author Unknown

What I think is what I become. Gratefulness being on my mind more has decreased the space I have for regrets about my past or worry about what the future may hold. Gratitude brings me to the present moment whether my thanks is for what is happening, has happened or might happen. Growing thankfulness has moved my view up the mountain, so to speak.  The more gratitude I cultivate the higher and broader my view of life becomes.

In ordinary life we hardly realize
that we receive a great deal more than we give,
and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.
Deitrich Bonhoeffer