If I asked you how you feel when you are thankful, what would you say? When I feel thankful I feel happy, I feel confident about life, more trusting and that I could be more generous. I also feel less anxious. And if I asked you how you acted out your thankfulness, what would you say? It is easy to miss the progression from
feeling thankful to
acting thankfully. The progression from feeling to action is rewarding because it both consolidates and deepens the feelings associated with thankfulness and leads to the possibility of a thankful life. Imagine living a thankful life! Being happier, more confident, more trusting, more generous and less anxious!! It could be life changing. And there are lots of spiritual exercises embedded in and practiced within the Christian tradition to help us access this way of living in gratitude. Although be warned, if you pursue a thankful life you will probably end up believing in God, or deepening your faith!
See also
this post on love as action, not just feeling.
