Everyone has a dominant attitude that directs his/her behavior, most of the time. This is true despite the fact that there are multiple attitudes from which a person chooses his/her "master" attitude. Although sometimes a person's behavior may deviate from his/her master attitude his/her  master attitude controls his/her behavior most of the time.

A person's master attitude can change. Usually, this requires effort and commitment that may be accompanied by short term pain.

Below are deliberate actions a person can take to acquire a gratitude attitude:
      1. Act as if you are grateful for wahtever you experience, especially for yourself and others.
      2. Verbally express gratitude. Say "Thank you" to everyone who offers to you a good deed, regardless to how small or insignificant if may appear to be. For example, say "Thank you" to the person who opens a door for you to enter or exit."
     3. Demonstrate gratitude in deeds by committing acts of kindness.
     4. Say aloud grace before you eat, even if you are in a restaurant. And acknowledge the Creator and/or Jesus, if you are a Christian, regardless to the religious convictions held by others in your company. Allow them the same opportunity to be true to their convictions.
     5. Thank God aloud before you go to sleep and before you arise from your bed.

Perhaps, you have noticed that expressing thanks aloud has been emphasized as the proper way to offer thanks. Think for a moment about the difference it makes when a person says to another "I love you." Or, what it means for someone to say to you "I love you."

In Creation God said, "Let there be light... ." In teaching His disciples how to pray, Jesus said to them, "When you pray, say Our Father... ." Language is spoken or written. Silence does not suffice. Humans' two ears are for  hearing. And what is better to hear than gratitude?

Engaging in the five deliberate actions above will  enable a person to practice a gratitude attitude. This practice will become a way of life.

The gratitude attitude dividend is enormous and may include stress reduction, freedom from guilt and anxiety, better health, increased joy and peace. The dividend is better than money in the bank.

Copyright 2009 by Uriah J. Fields