The supposed festive season fills many with excitement, and many more with dread and apprehension. It is not a happy time for all. Conflicts and past grievances with family, friends, and former spouses can all rear their ugly head at this time of year. Amidst all the excitement there are many who lament this time of year.

It does not need to be a dark time however. A Gratitude Attitude is something you can cultivate that will sustain you through any habitual dark holiday sentiments and create a wonderful quality of life for yourself.

A Gratitude Attitude is simply this: Savour every thing that is good in your life, from the big things to the little things. Make a list of what you are grateful for: the sun rising another day, a purring cat, rain falling on a dry landscape, the gift of sight, your favourite magazine, learning, having a roof over your head, people you care about, a comfy bed, having teeth to brush, the ability to smile.

Overwhelm yourself with reasons to feel grateful.

Then share your gratitude by giving as many gifts as you can each and every day through the holiday season. This does not mean literal gifts, it means sharing of yourself, of your soul: smile at people -anyone- in the street, give a waitress a compliment, phone up an old friend and tell them you care about them, say "thank you" and really mean it, say "good morning" to others on your morning run/walk (even if they do not acknowledge you - you will have given them a gift!)

Create the joy you want in your life by letting it flow freely from you. Be the source of all good things, rather than a waiting recipient.

Most importantly be kind to yourself. You are worth it.

Zoe Rout
hhttp://www.innercompass.com.au