Expressions of Gratitude

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Nov 17, 2000

Those of you that have been around the rooms for awhile know that November is "Gratitude Month". Newcomers often wonder what in the world is there to be grateful for.

Let's start with a definition of gratitude. According to Websters Unabridged New Twentieth Century, "a feeling of thankful appreciation for favors or benefits received." From my experience there have been many "favors and benefits received" from my being sober.

"An Attitude of Gratitude" is practiced in varying forms in all spiritual traditions. For me, it is one of the keys to recovery, along with honesty, open-mindedness and willingness. I need to be aware of how much I have so as not to focus on what I don't have.

The web has an abundance of gratitude to explore. I have chosen sites that aren't focused on recovery to share with you in order than maybe you will be able to expand your consciousness and gain new insight beyond your recovery resources.

To begin, here is a very simple page dedicated to keeping a Gratitude Journal

You can read a Jewish perspective on Leah and the Lesson of Gratitude.

At Creating Abundance through Gratitude Rev Jennifer Elizabeth Moore offers some exercises toward celebrating abundance.

If you happen to be looking for "Great quotes to inspire, empower and motivate you to live the life of your dreams and become the person you've always wanted to be!" Gratitude is the place to go.

A Gratitude Banner is a great way to get all members of the family involved.

Seaside Church offers a Prayer of Gratitude.

Thanksgiving is an American Holiday. You can read about its history at Thanksgiving.org. The first feast was in 1621 and never repeated. For "these devoutly religious people, a day of thanksgiving was a day of prayer and fasting."

At The Letter-writing Project you are invited to write a letter of either gratitude, insight or forgiveness.

At WiseHearts explore "Expressions of Gratitude" and "Blessing Circle." I would recommend exploring the rest of Terri McPherson's site to begin your own process of "weaving small wisdom's through the fabric of life."

You can get your own full color gratitude poster at Posters From the Heart. I would like to close this article with the quote from Poster #1: When the heart is full of gratitude, there is little room left for despair.

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The copyright of the article Expressions of Gratitude in Substance Abuse Recovery is owned by De Williams. Permission to republish Expressions of Gratitude in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.