The Remarkable Living Institute

The hustle and grind of life constantly move us into all kinds of directions! Sometimes it seems we can barely get enough breathing room before a new season changes and our priorities must shift again. New things can be wonderful, but they can also bring a little stress with the shift.

And there are even times where it becomes hard to step into a new season because of reminders of what was lost in previous ones. Those difficult memories and the sadness that touches them can resurface like clockwork, making the move into the new even harder.

Yet, in the midst of these realities, it remains true that gratitude can help you live a life worthy of the remark as the Remarkable Woman, who fearlessly lives the life that truly matters. A John 10:10 life that gives you perspective for the meaningful things God has given you right now and why you can be thankful for it.

But how do you take hold of gratitude’s heart-changing power? And why should you choose gratitude even when things aren’t exactly the way you want them? Grab a cup of your favorite fall tea and take a moment to consider how your cup can overflow with gratitude with these words.

As The Remarkable Woman, you should choose gratefulness because it empowers you to express gratitude. God’s Word shows us the truth of this:

Psalm 9:1 says, “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart;

   I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.”

Psalm 107:1 says, “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,

   for his steadfast love endures forever!”

God is the One true God. What a privilege to know Him and reflect on His remarkable deeds that set Him apart. We are to praise Him with all of our heart, mind, soul and being. And out of gratitude, we declare how extraordinary His actions towards us.

We must remember that God is GOOD. His love endures forever! Thanking God for our blessings is a sweet reminder of all the times that He was good to us and while acknowledging His consistent nature that continues that goodness in our present.

God wants us to remember His blessings because it helps us endure difficult and heartbreaking times in our life. Remembering also helps us experience contentment in what’s He’s already provided. Choosing gratitude over ungratefulness also gives us resilience in life. Being able to see the positive things in life is a gift to yourself and those around you.

Living your best remarkable life with grace and ease starts from a sure and steady foundation of gratitude. Grateful people move in this world with a freedom that releases them to love deeply and serve generously. How they show up in life with others is a direct correlation to how they understand and embrace gratitude in their inner life.

Are you a Remarkable Woman who moves through the world in this way?

What will you do to strengthen your gratitude muscles this week?

What do you need to release to help you see what you can be thankful for?

Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” When you choose to be thankful and express gratitude, you’re choosing to focus on the best that life has to offer. Grumbling and complaining will drag you down, but gratitude will build you up and offer peace.

It’s important to live a life of gratitude from gratefulness, but how do you do it? Here are four tips to help:

• Allow sadness. Being grateful doesn’t mean ignoring pain or sadness in your life. Ignoring your feelings is not healthy long-term. Allow yourself to feel the pain. Then choose to be grateful for the good things you have in your life.
• Look for blessings in challenges. God promises to grow our character in challenging situations (1 Peter 1:6-7). Difficult times can make us better, stronger people. Ask God to help you see how tough moments drew you closer to Him.
• Be grateful for the little things. Moments of gratefulness can be found in a full cup of tea, or a quiet moment when the kids have gone to bed. Finding joy in the little things will make life feel like a gift.
• Daily be grateful for something. When you’re sitting around the dinner table, think about what you’re grateful for and why. Ask your family members to join you. Also, consider thanking God for one thing each night before you go to sleep, or the first thing in the morning when you get up.

I know from experience that we thrive well when we do so in a community of thankful people because we can encourage one another in special ways. Community in itself is a gift from God and an experience I’m very grateful for! And, best of all you can design on your own terms, with grace and ease. If you haven’t joined our special community of like-minded women who want to activate their best life restfully and wholeheartedly, I warmly invite you to connect with us.