Shift Your Focus With Gratitude
What happens when gratitude is not your focus? Well, if you’re like me, then you get into a slump and you have to get out! But, what do you do? How do you get out of those ‘funks of life?” The best way to get out of a slump is to shift your focus with gratitude.
I consider myself a ‘thankful’ person. But, the past few weeks I’ve been in a slump. Have you ever been in a slump? It’s also call an old-fashioned pity party. Worry has prevailed in my mind lately. Health issues slowed down my writing and creativity process. My husband has been dealing with a bad knee. Both my parents have been dealing with some health issues. I found my focus lately has been more on the declining health than usual. My woe-is-me attitude prevailed. Then it hit me the other day. My daily practice of gratitude and thankfulness had declined as well.
Was it a coincidence? My gratitude had declined at the same rate my diving into the ‘slumps’ had increased! No, it wasn’t coincidental. I needed to shift my focus back to gratitude. I did, and it changed my life.
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV
I’ve started a 30-Day of Thankfulness blog series and I hope it helps you! This is the first installment.
Shift Your Focus With Gratitude
It’s easy to give thanks when your day is going well. You’re wearing your favorite t-shirt. You got a great parking spot. Your coffee is the perfect temperature with just the right mix of sugar and creamer. You get lots of likes on the selfie you posted to Instagram.
But what about those moments when things aren’t going so well? You spill your coffee on your jeans. You have to wait in a long line of customers at the bank or grocery store. You realize the battery in your smartphone is dead.
In moments like these, giving thanks is difficult. If you want to navigate experiences with a positive outlook, giving thanks is essential. This doesn’t mean being phony or pasting on a smile no matter what.
Rather, it’s about taking a moment to shift your focus. Instead of grumbling about the long line of customers, thank God for the cashier and pray for her family. When your smartphone needs a charge, thank God for all of the amazing technology you have access to. Choose to turn the uncomfortable moments in life into thankfulness.
A prayer for you..
God, when I’m tempted to complain and grumble, help to stop and shift my focus. I want to be someone who lives in continual gratitude. Let me never lose sight of the blessings You’ve poured out on me.
I hope you check back with me daily. I’m starting a 30-Day of Thankfulness blog series and I hope it helps you!
I also decided I needed to play my old game again, The 21-Day Gratitude Game. =)
Kim Steadman is a wife, mother and proud Meme. She is a cubicle nation escapee who now pursues her lifelong dream of a creative writing journey. Her writing works include “The Creative Prayer Journal” and “The Diary of a Recycled Dog.” She loves to help other creatives nurture the connection between their faith & creativity. Connect with her on Facebook at KimSteadmanAuthor
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