An Attitude of Gratitude

Earlier this week, my sister sent me a series of pictures that I consider some of the most inspiring images I have ever seen.

From the moment they arrived in my inbox, I found myself going back to them again and again. It was as though they contained a kind of magnetic human electricity that gave me an instant shot in the arm.

As I studied each photo, I realized that despite the volumes that could undoubtedly be written about this incredible human being named Cody McCasland, there really are no words that can accurately describe the pure joy in the moment that appears in every single picture.

It’s something you can feel in the depths of your soul every time you look at that smile. It’s an energy that says, loud and clear, “I’m here…look at me! Life is supposed to be fun!”

And it’s this consistent state of pure, positive pleasure that, to me, sings accolades about the power of perception. There is no sense of lack, no feeling that something needs to be fixed, no poor-me-making-the-best-of-it…anywhere.

It’s this sense of wholeness that shines through in every shot that, to me, is the real story. If there’s a lesson here, that’s it – there really is nothing missing.

Certainly, that’s the story a lot more of us could be telling, if only we were willing to see ourselves as worthwhile, magnificent, purposeful, powerful, and whole – right now, this very moment – not when this thing happens or that thing shows up.

What I am sure of, and what these images remind me of most, is that the real and authentic story of joy never starts with “despite the fact that I don’t have (fill in the blank) I’m joyful…”

No. To me, the true story of joy is one that never plays with the idea of what is missing – not even a little bit. All week, Cody’s zest for life was a constant reminder that each time I choose to move my focus away from the things that aren’t quite right…whatever is not quite right becomes irrelevant.

Then, it’s no longer a matter of, “despite how bad things are, I’m doing this…” it is simply, “I’m doing this.”

Cody’s spirit and bliss in the moment reminds me that happiness never comes while telling the story of “what is” or by conceding to a ”just learn to live with it” attitude.

Joy, peace, excitement and enthusiasm are all a product of keeping your eyes pointed on all the things that are RIGHT about you – toward all the things you desire, all the things you dream of, and all the things that make you happy.

As complicated as we sometimes try to make life out to be, it all boils down to one simple thing…gratitude.

Living a full, happy life happens when you find a way to remain, as often as possible, in a state of complete appreciation about who you are RIGHT NOW – no matter where you are hoping to go next.

It’s really as simple as that – an attitude of gratitude.

We are all Magnificent

We are all Whole

We are all Purposeful

We are all Powerful

We are all Complete

The proof’s in the pictures.

About the Author:

Dianne Orwig is a success coach, motivational speaker, fitness trainer, and founder of LivingFit Online^(TM), a fitness program that has helped thousands of men and women completely transform their bodies and live healthier, happier lives though her less-is-better approach. Sign up TODAY for our FREE eBook and Life-Fitness Tips! Click here to get it all absolutely FREE!