Your attitude determines your altitude. Feeling sorry for yourself is the worst thing you can do. Stay away from victim mentality by being thankful for your blessings. You may publish this article if the resource box is left intact.

Everyone has times of feeling down in the dumps. When your project fails it naturally, generates some negative feelings. Going through the same motions in your routine can make you blue from boredom. You need to tell yourself to snap out of it, but it is not always easy.

One way to give the boot to the blues is to count your blessings. The song about counting your blessings was so popular because everyone can do it. If you live in America, you have blessings that the people of most of the world can only dream about. We have problems, but it is still the best system in the world. Our paper boys make more money that most adults in some other countries. We throw away more food than many people in other countries have to eat. The freedom of speech is a great blessing. In many countries you have to watch what you say, or you could be arrested.

An attitude of gratitude is a way of life. The late President John F. Kennedy expressed a great truth in one of his campaign speeches: Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. Too many feel the world owes them a living and they are out to get all they can. The truth is that each person owes their family and community whatever; they have the ability to give. Earning a good living serves our family, and the money spent helps the community. Being active in church and other organizations contributes to the well being of the city you live in.

Some are so grateful to live in a country of freedom and opportunity that they can't do enough for their country and other people. Since millions of immigrants are grateful for the American dream, we should be grateful we already have it.

When it comes down to basics, gratitude for God, your family, your job, and knowing that you are appreciated, is a great motivating force in your life. There is no fun in working because we have to. It is such a joy to serve our employer or manage our own business because we are grateful for the opportunity. Be grateful for what you have. It may not be fancy but it is yours. Thousands of people in other countries are starving and they dont even have a roof over their heads or a bed to sleep in.

One of the greatest things to be grateful for is your own self worth. The realization that you are a valuable asset to your family and community lifts your spirits and makes life worth living. Your creator designed you for a purpose. The sooner you find your true purpose the sooner you will find fulfillment.

A business consultant once stated the fact that the biggest need working people have is to be appreciated. Expressing appreciation for someone in your family or someone you work with, will make their day and make you feel good too. It is one of the best ways to promote good will. Being thankful for your parents and your good health will lift your spirits.

Are you baffled by a difficult problem? Remember for every problem there is an opportunity. Most of us earn a good living because of other peoples problems! The auto mechanic earns a living because other people have problems with their cars. The doctor earns a living solving other peoples health problems etc. The person that can solve difficult problems is in big demand. Dont hate problems. They are your tickets to success.

You should be thankful there are problems that need to be solved. If there were no problems, there would be no jobs. Counting your blessings propels you out of the blues and inspires you to soar to greater heights.

Lynn Bradley

Lynn 'Bradley is a retired broadcast engineer-announcer. He also calibrated radars for the Indiana State Police. He has taught adult Bible classes for many years. His hobby is writing spiritual articles and information on improving self concept.