Attitude of Gratitude

I had the opportunity this weekend to hear couples therapist Harville Hendrix speak. Hendrix and his wife created the Imago Relationship Therapy and he’s written several books including “Getting the Love You Want: A Guide for Couples,” he’s been on Oprah … you get the idea: he’s an expert. Appropriate timing for me to hear what he has to say, don’t you think.

Harville’s main message was simple, but a good one: Look at life as grace versus as a threat. And be grateful.

Life is what you make it and your attitude can completely change a situation, a relationship and your health. If we go out there thinking everything we come into contact with is out to get us, that negative attitude is toxic for us. “Negativity is as toxic as chemical fertilizer,” he says.

The secret is to shift our attitude from negative (jerk cut me off … he took the last bite … ugh, it’s raining … i can’t win) to one of gratitude (it could have been worse … i have someone to share with … we need the rain … there’s always next time).

It being Easter and all, this seems like an appropriate weekend to practice looking at life as grace. So let’s put negativity aside. I think I can do this at least until Monday. 😉