Gratitude

Gratitude is the practice of recognizing and appreciating the good that already exists in my life. It shifts my focus away from what is missing and toward what is present.

Before my 12-Step studies, gratitude was not a working part of my life. Gratitude was something I felt only when I received a prize. My attitude was, “Hey, I’ve had a tough life, so I deserve everything I have—and more. What do you mean gratitude? I’m entitled to it all.”

I took everything for granted. Any God/HP I believed in at the time was supposed to reward me with whatever I wanted. My perspective was simple: “You owe me.”

With that ungrateful attitude, it was easy to feel sorry for myself. It kept me comparing my life to others I believed had more. It kept me trapped in my “hard luck” story. It produced envy—and at times, jealousy. It reinforced the belief that I was still not good enough.

Gratitude is not part of the FAT LUCK acronym, but it fuels every letter of it. Without gratitude, forgiveness feels forced. Acceptance feels heavy. Tolerance feels draining. Love feels conditional. Understanding feels intellectual. Compassion feels selective. Kindness feels like effort.

It was suggested to me to take the alphabet and write three things for each letter that I was grateful for. I began to see how powerful gratitude could be. When I focused on what I had instead of what I lack, my perspective changed.

I learned that resentment and gratitude cannot occupy the same space at the same time. If I’m actively grateful, I cannot simultaneously feel cheated, victimized, or deprived. Gratitude interrupts self-pity. It dismantles entitlement.

Gratitude is the lens through which I see my life clearly. It moves me from scarcity to abundance. It reminds me that even on difficult days, there is always something working in my favor and to be grateful for that.

Gratitude allows me to live FAT LUCK with joy instead of effort.

A Simple Reflection

Ask yourself:

What is one thing in my life today that I can be genuinely grateful for?

Ask a Question About Gratitude

If you are practicing the virtues in Living a FAT LUCK Life and have a question about gratitude, you are welcome to ask it here. You may leave just your first name and last initial. We respect everyone’s anonymity. All information and comments are kept private.

If you would prefer to ask a question privately, you are welcome to email me directly at gerry@livingfatluck.com.