Learning to be grateful without having to be scolded into it was a powerful moment in my life!
Have you ever found yourself scolded into feeling grateful? Urgings from mothers, dads, teachers and other wise ones who preach that gratitude is the key đïžto happiness âșïž, and we must express it. But the real magic đȘof gratitude comes not from coercion, but from its honest and natural expression. 
At its core, gratitude is alive when it flows freely and naturally not when itâs forced. Itâs about finding appreciation in the simplest of things, not because weâre guilt-tripped into it.
Forced gratitude is inauthentic. Others have it worse so stop being an ingrate! Coercing ourselves or being coerced into the state of gratitude doesnât reflect our genuine feelings and awareness.
I recall my early resistance to my mother insisting that I say âthank youâ and express gratitude to my grandparents or other relatives for their gifts. The âthank youâ was rote, and didnât come from my heart â€ïž. Not that I wasnât grateful, but the âthank youâ was not really mine.
It wasnât until I consciously began to notice small joys like the sensation of raindrops â on my face, the rustle of autumn leaves đas I walked to school, the smell of bread baking đin the local bakery, or the taste of my momâs apple pie đ„§ â precious moments that sparked real gratitude in me. I didnât have to be scolded into those enriching experiences.
Embracing Gratitude
I appreciate Arianna Huffingtonâs words, Living in a state of gratitude is the gateway to grace.
Moving beyond the scold to embrace gratitude as personal awareness and discovery of the beauty of everyday moments, and to express gratitude with heartfelt sincerity, makes life truly blessed.
Thank you for reading.
Our theme for November is Gratitude and our monthly workshop takes place on November 28th at 4:00 pm  (ET).  Click here for the ZOOM link.
Make today a great dayâŠbecause you can!
Lorraine