My wife and I ask our 2 children on a regular basis what they are thankful for and are always eager to hear their responses.  Shortly after moving from Manitoba to Kelowna, BC, we were exposed to an unfortunate scene that our kids had not experienced yet, homelessness.  After their first encounter with this, we asked what they were most thankful for.  Their response?  “Our home.” 

            With fast money being promoted online and what seems to be a materialistic society, it is easy to forget about being appreciative for what you already have because the multiple media channels show people wearing expensive clothes, driving expensive cars, living in expensive homes, going on expensive vacations, living the good life.  So how do we make a shift from a feeling of want to appreciation?  It’s quite simple in theory.  We turn gratitude into a daily practice that eventually becomes a habit which then becomes automatic.

            One of my favorite pieces of advice from attending Tony Robbins “Unleash the Power Within” Event in West Palm Beach, FL was “trade your expectations for appreciation and your whole world changes in an instant.” He is talking about your attitude, your response to situations that occur in your life and, your perception.  When you have certain expectations, it’s like you’re waiting for something to happen that may never come.  It’s truly a selfish way of viewing the world when you think about it.  And with appreciation, it’s about the moment.  It’s about the food on the table, the opportunity you have based on your geographical area, support, love, friendship, sight, smell, health, and your home.

            Every morning, after you gain clarity through your meditation routine, finish off by thinking about 3 things you’re grateful for.  It’s often the simple things that we take for granted.  Learn to appreciate them through practice and you’ll have a new level of appreciation for what you’ve had in your life and for what you have now.  As you lie down in your bed at night, use that as a trigger point for asking the simple question; “What was I most grateful for today?”