A couple of weeks ago I urged us all to use Anne Lamott’s short one word prayers, “Help, Thanks, Wow”. But I stand corrected!
I received this comment and I think “Grandma’s interpretation” is spot on giving us an ever better, BEST PRACTICE IN PRAYER.
“I mix them up a little. You said I could. For me, I say thanks FIRST.
Grandma told me to ALWAYS say thanks or else when you ask for help He may not remember you!
Grandma said, “If you start THANKING you may realize. You DO NOT need help.
That s what Grandma said!”
Grandma is right! Gratitude is the springboard that launches us into happiness.”
I offer 3 sure-fire ways to build happiness, using the building block of gratitude:
- 1) List building….making a list is a powerful tool to help you get organized, prioritizing what is important. When you see your “to do” list you immediately know where to put your valuable time.
Here are a few list-builder ideas to help you prioritize your life, building thankfulness:
5 most important days in your life.
5 most influential people in your life
5 talents that you have
5 loved ones who bring you joy
5 hardships that you have overcome
5 most important lessons that you’ve learned
- 2) Instead of counting sheep to help you fall asleep, try thanking the Shepard for the many gifts that you enjoy. But here’s the kicker: count your blessings in alphabetical order! Not only does this build thankfulness but also tires you out putting you to sleep.
- 3) When I write about gratitude I always have to mention the gratitude jar. The vase not only reminds me every time I look at it to be thankful, but also programs my mind to be on the lookout during the day for blessings that I can use for the following day’s entry. If you missed my post on The Gratitude Jar, please click here to read more about how to use it and the benefits it brings.
Incorporating these 3 simple ideas will help you hone in on the many blessings that you enjoy.
Grandma was right, “If you start THANKING you may realize the you DO NOT need help.”
So let’s change the prayer around: Thanks, Help, Wow!
What prayers work for you? Please share your ideas and maybe even of your grandma’s!
