Living in the Place Called Gratitude

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Original Publication Date:
2007

His mother, Cynthia, declares the pride she has for her son who has conducted himself throughout the tragic ordeal with such dignity and grace. His dad, Jeff, helps out too, posting updates of Stephen's condition, progress, and offers thanks to his sincere well-wishers. As Jeff so aptly writes, "This is a genuine marathon which we are all going to get on with, come rain or shine we are in it to the hilt. BLOODY WELL DONE SON—-WE ARE ALL VERY PROUD OF YOUR ATTITUDE. Once again, Thanks everybody. You are so much appreciated for everything, YOU have made us all STAY STRONG FOR STEPHEN; it truly is appreciated by all of the Murray Family."

In every example of human adversity there is a lesson. In the case of Stephen Murray, his struggles seem overwhelming by comparison. In many respects they are. We welcome 2008 as a year to beat all years. We look upon it with hope and joy and can decide if, like Murray, gratitude will occupy its rightful place at the forefront of our lives.

Pz's Pointers on How to Live in a Place of Gratitude

1. It starts here

Begin by being grateful. Replace your attitude of entitlement with one of caring. Be thankful for what you have, what you know, and simply for being you. As Buddha once said, "if you didn't learn a lot today, at least you learned a little, and if you didn't learn a little, at least you didn't get sick, and if you got sick, at least you didn't die; so, let us all be thankful." It's a basic concept that we have difficulty adopting. Some of us are spoiled and accustomed to expecting so much it is hard to be grateful when our cup isn’t running over. Your character is not determined by the amount of stuff you possess. Stuff is fleeting and only essential when used wisely and for the betterment of others.

2. Focus on the quality of your life

On something as simple as his thumb, Murray explains, "My wife constantly tells me, 'Move your fingers! Move your fingers!' She pushes me everyday. I tell her, No! Shut up! Stop saying that! You gotta connect your mind with your muscles—really focus—you gotta fight. The other day my thumb started wiggling and index finger. I said, Whoooa, this is crazy. Oh my God. That's a start. If that's going to come back then the rest can come back." Shift your focus away from the negative. Don't wallow in the misery but rejoice in the victories. Identify what you have working for you—no matter how minor. Build upon what you focus on. Stick with it. The quality of your life will improve as a result of your focus. The practice of focusing amplifies your connection and increases the flow of all that is good in life. When you are in a place of extreme gratitude extremely wonderful things happen.

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