Over the last 6 weeks I have taken time in a regular routine to think about and be grateful for what I have in my life.

This one practice has assisted in my appreciation of not only the good things that happen in my life, but the challenges that I have faced also.

The regular morning routine that I have chosen begins with a breathing exercise.  Following that I do a visualisation exercise.  I then give a prayer of gratitude.  As I started this process I was giving gratitude for the joy, love and great things in my life.  However as time has gone on I have recognised how grateful that I am for my challenges.

James Allen once said, “Circumstances do not make a man, they reveal him”.  This concept is very true.  As I have started being grateful for my challenges and afflictions, I have recognised that hardship has been forging my soul.  It is in the fiery furnace of affliction that we learn some of our greatest lessons in life.

I have been thinking about how grateful I am toward those who have wronged me.  Those who have lied about me.  Those who have been angry and scornful toward me.  Those who think that I am despicable human being.  Those who are repulsed by me.

To all those people in my life.  Thank you all so very, very much.

It came to me as a flash of inspiration a couple of days ago that “He that has a grateful heart will enjoy the journey, not just the end result”.  I have included this as one of my quotes.

If you and I want to be great.  We need to be grate…ful.  Not only grateful for our success, wealth, happiness, joy, career, relationships, health and wellbeing.  We need to somehow find a way to grateful for our lack, our limitations, our challenges, pain and suffering.

As you and I find a way to be grateful in our hearts, our character and life will manifest greatness.