Zen Habits Gratefulness Challenge

Today . . . I am over at Zen Habits reading a guest post by Chris Guillebeau on Three Truths to Help You Create a Life of Gratitude. Chris is a writer, world traveler, social entrepreneur, and lifelong learner.

I immediately resonated with his article and thought you would too. As an entrepreneurial woman focused on creating a business from the inside out, I found Chris' definition of gratitude to be spot on and thought you would, too: "I think gratitude relates to a full life spent in awareness of all the good things that surround us."

I also thought you would enjoy his characteristics of a grateful life:

A life of gratitude is composed of three parts that combine to make a whole.

1. A sense of purpose in our lives

2. An appreciation for the lives of those around us

3. A willingness to take action to show the gratitude we feel

I also thought you would enjoy taking the Zen Habits of Gratefulness Challenge and passing that challenge along to other entrepreneurial women. Pass it on and let me know how the gratefulness challenge is going in your life.

Susan L. Reid
The original Accidental Pren-her™

Author of Discovering Your Inner Samurai: The Entrepreneurial Woman's Journey to Business Success

Comments

[Tristen]

The article by Chris was great. In all my turmoil over the past few months, I have lost sight of being grateful and how important it really is. I have gotten caught up in my misery, and it really is getting me nowhere. Being grateful is a huge part of bringing my life back into balance. It's always in the back of my mind, how much I have to be grateful for, but, I need to practice it daily! What a great wake-up!

[Carol McClelland of Green Career Central]

I've been through rough spots in my life and it's generally a mental shift to a space of gratitude that brings me to a new outlook on life. Although I grew up in a family focused on worry and more worry, my native perspective is to look for the positive in situations. What's the gift? What can I learn? How can I find the silver lining in what I'm facing or faced with?. Thanks for the link to the Gratitude Challenge, Susan.

[The Original Accidental Pren-her]

I've kept a gratitude journal for years. Each night I record 10 things I'm grateful for each day. Like you, Carol, I'm always looking for the gift, the gemstone, in everything. I can honestly say that the habit of gratitude is my secret weapon for success.

[Angela]

This post is an excellent reminder, not only to be grateful, but also to be mindful of gratitude. When we share gratitude, consciously or not, we bring joy into other's lives. When we share gratitude consciously we bring the joy into our own lives. And when we feel that joy, we are encouraged to be more grateful. And so the joyous grateful cycle continues. Thank you, Susan, for this beautiful reminder.

[The Original Accidental Pren-her]

Mindful of grateful . . . I like that, Angela. Also, the concept of gratefulness as a cycle, ever expanding, ever going. Practicing gratefulness is a fulfilling, joyous way of being.

[Linda of Bookmark This Spot]

What a great idea. Thanks Susan. I will definitely sign up and pass on the Gratitude challenge. What a wonderful way to end spring and go into summer.

[Louann Vertrees]

I also keep a journal, and make a point of listing the things that I am grateful for each day, large and small. It is a wonderful way to stay balanced when life seems a little overwhelming. Thanks for the link!

[The Original Accidental Pren-her]

The art of keeping a journal is the ultimate in taking time for your inner self. To commune with her. To reflect upon her. To open yourself to her. Sounds like you know what I'm talking about Louann.