Embrace the gift of gratitude

“When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.” – Tony Robbins

This quote perfectly describes the gift of gratitude. It’s a gift that is given to all of us if we choose to accept it. It’s also a gift that we can give others. By adopting an attitude of abundance and sharing it with the world, we embrace the real gift of gratitude: its ability to transform our own lives and the lives of those around us.

Most people never choose to fully accept the gift of gratitude. But those who do will discover these powerful truths:

The gift of gratitude never ends.

When you activate gratitude and practice it in your life, you’ll notice that there is more and more to be grateful for every single moment. You will begin to live in this state of gratitude – this is how you continuously cultivate a beautiful state.

Gratitude is the antidote to anger and fear.

You can’t be angry and grateful at the same time. You can’t be fearful and grateful at the same time. You certainly can’t be jealous and grateful at the same time. The real gift of gratitude is that it eliminates these negative feelings and replaces them with peace and joy.

Gratitude helps us give more.

When you live in a beautiful state of gratitude, you will find you actually have more to give. You no longer focus on what you lack, and you no longer feel like you don’t have enough. In this state, you will always find ways to share your abundance.

the real gift of gratitude

the real gift of gratitude

Gratitude makes us stronger.

Studies have shown that gratitude can strengthen relationships, improve our self-care and help our mental health. Get rid of any beliefs that being grateful makes you weak – the gift of gratitude actually makes you much stronger.

The gift of gratitude can be practiced.

We all have tough days. Days where we feel the world isn’t fair. Where we just want to go back to bed. But those who live positively know how to shift their focus from the negative to the positive.

“We all are born with a 2 million year old brain… A brain that’s looking for what’s wrong, and of course what’s wrong is always available. But if what’s wrong is always available, so is what’s right.” – Tony Robbins

Inspiring stories about the gift of gratitude

The secret to living is giving. Contribution and significance are two of the powerful Six Human Needs that drive all of our decisions, and gratitude is essential to fulfilling them. To embrace the real gift of gratitude, take inspiration from these stories.

Zach Skow and Lauren Finkelstein

Zach Skow was living a life of fear, pain and alcoholism – until his liver failed at 28 years old. In his toughest times, his dogs gave him the will to live. He committed to recovery and decided to focus on the gift of gratitude. “I was stuck in my own head, worried about myself… I had to put my fear and anxiety aside and put myself into service.” He founded Marley’s Mutts Dog Rescue – a non-profit that gives second chances, both human and canine.

Lauren Finkelstein had a seemingly fulfilling career in television and media. But after a series of tragic events in her life, she began to think “The things I promoted were meaningless.” She made a similar decision to turn her sadness into action and find a new purpose. Hear their stories of overcoming fear and embracing gratitude on the Tony Robbins Podcast.

Tony Robbins

Tony’s journey to discover the real gift of gratitude began on a freeway in Los Angeles. He was living in his car, working 18-hour days and still had only $26 to his name. He was angry, resentful and alone. He spent some of his last money at a buffet and was so inspired by a little boy having lunch with his mom, he gave him the rest of his money.

When he got home, he received a check from a friend who owed him money. Tony had chosen the gift of gratitude, and the universe responded in kind. That’s why he has dedicated his life to giving back and serving more through charities like Unlimited Tomorrow, which provides prosthetic arms to those in need, and Feeding America, which supports food banks all over the country.

What about you? How will you begin to practice the gift of gratitude today and every day?

What’s your top need that drives your life?

In order to fully use and share our gifts, we must understand how our human needs shape our thoughts, behaviors and actions. Take this free quiz to discover your top human need and how it shapes you.