Gratitude

FLA is dedicated to hope and healing. In speaking with a participant yesterday, I made an

observation of how he had made significant progress, and he responded, “It’s because I shifted my attitude. I’m now more grateful for guidance and accountability and that helped me to be less angry.”

Gratitude is a practice, not a personality trait. The practice of gratitude strengthens

relationships and bonds us to others in fellowship, has health benefits such as easing anxiety, and even is believed to improve resilience. Focusing on the positive does not take away pain but provides us with a shift in focus to better absorb the impacts of negative events. This allows us to move forward with dignity and grace as we traverse life with its many challenges and uncertainties.

Kindness, compassion, and saying “Thank You” are simple gifts that provide others a platform to succeed. It fortifies us in immeasurable ways. I received a thank you note from someone who attended the FLA workshop in Melbourne. In part it said, “Thank you for your hospitality – a warm welcome and just kindness. It was a spiritual experience. I appreciate your service to all of us. Please continue to put folks like me in a place to heal.”

And that is our goal.

So today, express your gratitude to those around you and reflect on what challenge in your life has ultimately brought you to a place of growth.