Alan Cohen

Author of I HAD IT ALL THE TIME

Gratitude is not the result of things that happen to us; it is an attitude we cultivate by practice. The more we are thankful for, the more we will find to be thankful for. I heard of a woman named Sarah who lay in hospital bed after an accident, deeply depressed, unable to move any part of her body except the little finger on one hand. Then Sarah decided she would make use of what she did have rather than bemoan what she was missing. She began to bless the one finger that could move, and she developed a system of “Yes’’ and “No’’ communication with the little finger. Sarah became grateful that she could communicate, and she felt happier. As she blessed the movement, her flexibility increased. Soon Sarah could move her hand then her arm, and eventually her whole body. It all started with the critical shift from complaining to blessing.

The universe always gives you more of what you are focusing on. Jesus taught, “To him that hath, more shall be given; to him, that hath not, more shall be taken away.’’