Creating Joy Through Gratitude

"I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder." ~G.K. Chesterton

As we travel amongst this season of shorter days and longer nights, it can be a challenge, at times, to find the light within the darkness. The holidays are fast approaching and some of us might not feel the abundance of joy at this time of year that we would like to, some of us might be struggling to pay our bills as the world economy is rapidly shifting, for some it might be a reminder of loss, and for some it can merely be a stressful time filled with too many expectations and not enough sunlight.

This time of year challenges us to turn inward. It is a time of reflection and renewal--a time to discover our own unique source of light. The clearest, simplest way for us to make that light shine brighter, to fuel our joy, is through our ability to be grateful for even the smallest of things, the tiniest of moments, including those things that challenge us or create feelings of pain.

People often wonder what comes first, gratitude or joy. It is easy to feel grateful when we are feeling happy--the world seems to be one big toy store filled with all we could ever ask for; the more joy we experience the more grateful we feel. Yet, it is truly our gratitude that fuels our joy. When we find ways to be grateful for even our struggle, seeing the opportunities those challenges create, the growth, we plant seeds of joy that sprout in even the coldest and darkest of places.

I invite you to ask yourself, "What do I have to be grateful for in this moment?" Pay attention to the air that is feeding your lungs with oxygen, the shelter around you, the clothing on your body, the fact that you are here to breathe-in this moment in the first place. That in itself is a miracle. Now think about the relationships in your life, the loving ones and even the not-so-loving ones--what blessings have you received from all of those connections? Whether or not you are in a time of challenge or ease right now, in what way is the Universe loving you at every moment? What is the gift of this time? If you really allow yourself to answer these questions, the gifts that you discover will be infinite.

I have most certainly felt the impact of the current state of our economy--my own clients getting laid off from jobs and less people choosing to invest in their own personal growth at this time of year, and yet, I feel more abundant than ever. The true gift of this time is that despite my inability to splurge on pretty things and travel adventures, I am happy. I am seeing how full my life is, that I ALWAYS have what I truly need, no matter what. As I prepare for a busier coaching season ahead, my relationship with my finances is clearer and healthier than ever. This awakening would not have been possible without the opportunity I've had to experience having significantly less. I feel very loved by this time because I now know how to better manage my money--that is clearly a life long lesson that will only bring me more!

In what ways are you being prepared for the life that you want for yourself? How might you turn times of struggle into opportunities for joy? As you discover the myriad of ways in which you have to be grateful (the list is endless--I promise!) you will discover a light to carry with you in even the darkest of times. The miracle of this season is not in the sparkling lights or our ability to top last year's presents, it lies in our ability to ignite that light of thankfulness within our hearts and shine it so that others might benefit from our joy. I invite you to dig deeply into even the darkest of spaces and delight in what you find.

Would you like some assistance in seeing the bigger picture and finding all that you have to be grateful for? I would love nothing more than to help you discover the beautiful life that awaits you. Through a series of powerful inquiries and looking at your Astrological Chart I can reveal some powerful tools that you have within you to start living a life of passion and purpose, NOW. Contact me for a free sample session so that we can explore the many ways that my coaching will support you in living your best life OUT LOUD!: igniteyourvoice@gmail.com.

With Love and Deep Gratitude,

:)Melissa Simonson
Spiritual Life Coach
www.igniteyourvoice.com

©2008 Melissa Simonson

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEBSITE? No problem!--as long as you use this entire blurb with it: As an Inspired Speaker and Spiritual Life Coach, Melissa Simonson combines wisdom gleaned from Zen Buddhism, Astrology, New Thought traditions, both ancient and contemporary philosophies, with a BA in Psychology, to create a safe and accepting space for her clients to explore their dreams, release the beliefs that are no longer serving their Higher Purpose and manifest joy in their lives, NOW. To receive her FREE articles containing life-changing insights and coaching tools visit www.igniteyourvoice.com.