So many of us find greater reason to be thankful and share gratitude with others during the holidays. The season of giving and receiving is at its collective highest point than at any other time of the year. So, there is no doubt that we are all capable of dropping into to a deeper state of gratitude, yet why does that seem to disappear in so many of us as the calendar moves us into another year?

Gratitude is defined as “the quality of being thankful, a readiness to show appreciation and then return that kindness to the sender” and for that matter anyone who fills up your space and life. I know that life has its ups and downs, no possible way around it, but if we can stay in gratitude those situations will be settled without taking us down in the process.

Perhaps we have the ability to turn to gratitude this time of year because we are filled with the holiday spirit, well we have that same ability any time we choose, the ability to consciously practice gratitude, which by the way can kick anxiety and stress to the proverbial curb. I believe so many of us want that feeling year-round, you know, an “attitude of gratitude”. Why would one not want to always live with an increased level of happiness which gives way to greater emotional well-being and increased satisfaction with life?! Here is a thought, when living in a constant state of gratitude we are void of resentment, anxiety, anger, depression and have a stronger connection to those that we love, it spreads to those seeking some light and gives reason to keep moving on.

I have experienced more gratitude in my years of recovery with the beautiful people that make up my recovery than at any other time in my life and for that I’m so deeply grateful. When sharing gratitude for one another we are sharing a deep personal gift. In our field this is by far the most imperative gift we can give one another and in turn we can share it with those looking to come in from the dark. Gratitude is a deep spiritual way of being and when we live in this state our spiritual journey goes to the very deepest of places. Without gratitude in our lives, we can never truly arrive in a true place of Zen.

I have many times felt a sort of spiritual collision and the very first thing to go is gratitude, then with it my hope, my dreams, my happiness, so never underestimate the gift and power of gratitude. I can honestly say that at this very moment I have the deepest sense of gratitude because today I can share my heart freely without fear that someone will judge me or my feelings and this writer never knew anything about vulnerability in the past! Did I mention that with gratitude comes vulnerability or with vulnerability comes gratitude? I guess I can thank my wife for that eye opener and Brene Brown while I’m in the neighborhood!

I always close with “Love Life and your place in it”, you got’s to have Gratitude to get that. My advice? Go get you some gratitude and you have found the secret to life!!!

Anthony Sparzo