Gratitude and Thanks

It is easy to take the good things for granted, especially at times when the bad stuff is overwhelming. But those are the moments when it is the most important to pause and give thanks for what you do have, instead of dwelling on what you don't. If you are dealing with a health issue, focus on the parts of your body that work correctly or thank the ones with issues for doing the best they can under the circumstances. Don't have enough money? Be grateful for what you do have. And especially give thanks to the people who are there for you, in both good times and bad. Scientific studies have proven that an attitude of gratitude is actually healthy. But you already knew that, didn't you? Sometimes we all just need a little reminder to be grateful and say thank you.

What are you grateful for? Spend five minutes a day—maybe when you first wake up or right before you fall asleep—listing all the things in your life you are thankful for, including all the people. They don’t have to be big things—a purring cat, a beautiful sunset, enough food to eat, someone letting you cut ahead in the checkout line... anything that made your life even the tiniest bit better. Do this for a week and see if you feel better or at least more aware of how much good there is in your life.

If you pull this card, it is probably a reminder to say thank you. Thank you to the gods, to the universe, the people in your life, even to yourself for all your hard work (and just for getting out of bed in the morning on the days when that seems nearly impossible). Ask yourself if you have been cultivating an attitude of gratitude or if, instead, you have been focusing on the negative and forgetting to be grateful for all that is positive.

Place a number of small tea lights on a fire-safe plate. Light a candle in the darkness (or a bonfire, if you can do that) and take a moment to feel your heart fill with gratitude for the many things that bring light into your life. Invite in any god or goddess you follow (or deity in general) to witness your gratitude and appreciation for their gifts. Light a tea light and say thank you for something specific. Repeat with as many tea lights as you wish. Concentrate on your intention to send that feeling of gratitude out into the universe as strongly as you can. Then put both hands over your heart and thank yourself for being present and aware. If you like, finish up by saying, 'I thank god and goddess for the many blessings in my life and ask them to help me continue to be mindful and appreciative. So mote it be.'