Living In Gratitude: How To Live A Fulfilled Life
Gratitude is the single most important ingredient to living a successful and fulfilled life. ~Jack Canfield
After Steve Jobs passed away from pancreatic cancer in October 2011, there was a story circulating online that claimed to recount his final words. Though this enumeration has proven to be false, the thoughts and advice offered in Job’s fake personal eulogy offer food for thought about how to live a successful and fulfilled life. Even though he knew they were not true, Jobs’ “last words” inspired friend and billionaire Richard Branson, who posted them on his blog.
In a nutshell:
True inner happiness does not come from the material things of this world. What makes our hearts full and our lives meaningful is love, joyfulness, wonderment, gratitude, and a sense of purpose.
As we grow older, and hopefully wiser, we begin to understand that, whether we are wearing a $300 or $30 watch, they both tell the same time.
If the car we drive costs $150,000 or $30,000, we still travel the same roads and arrive at the same destination.
Whether the house we live in is 900 or 5,000 square feet, simple or luxurious, unless we have people to love and who love us, our loneliness is the same.
Whether we fly first or economy class, if the plane goes down, we go down with it.
Things do not define us.
They do not make us better, kinder, or more successful people. Material items do not create heartfelt joy, meaningful relationships, or unconditional love.
To live a fulfilled and successful life, we should:
Express love and appreciation for family, spouse or partner, and friends.
Smile.
Instead of teaching our children to be rich, educate them on how to be happy.
Spread kindness everywhere and to everyone.
Listen to understand rather than to reply.
As much as possible, live in the moment. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t plan or reflect, but it allows us to fully enjoy and experience the present.
Embrace rather than fear change. We’ve been changing since the day we were born-it is a natural progression of life.
Learn from mistakes, don’t dwell on them.
Savor the serenity of quiet moments, revel in the joy of time spent with family and friends.
Breathe. Our breath is a calming, centering force that can reduce stress and energize your body, mind, and spirit.
Be adventurous. Broaden our horizons by stepping out of our comfort zone to experience new opportunities, places, cultures, people, foods.
Let go of people and things that don’t serve us.
Make the world a better place by giving fully of our time and talents.
Listen to our inner voice. It is a compass that guides us to our personal truth.
Be true to ourselves instead of trying to impress or meet the expectations of others.
Above all, be grateful. Gratitude banishes fear and opens the door to opportunity and abundance.
The way to develop the best that is in a person is by appreciation and encouragement. ~Charles Schwab
May your day be filled with gratitude and good things.
