Something we say a lot here on Fit Theology is “The Lord has given you this body and this life, what are you doing with it?” Essentially, our hope is that this question leads you to believe that your body and your life are gifts. 

Every day you wake up is a gift. Every breath you breathe, gift. Every movement you do, gift. Have you ever stopped to think about that? How differently would your day look if you viewed your life and wellness as a gift? Let me assure you, this will revolutionize your life. So that’s what we are going to talk about in this post: how to identify and cultivate the gifts that God has given you in order to live a fulfilling life. Since you only have one life, why not live the most fulfilling life you can? So let’s get started.

How to see God’s provision in your life?

I think it’s safe to assume that you understand that gratefulness is a good thing. You enjoy life more, you enjoy God more, and you enjoy people more. Sometimes it can be tricky, though, to know how to practice thankfulness. Here are my top 3 techniques…

• Practice Mindfulness
  Practicing mindfulness is a crucial part of gratitude because pausing and being aware is the precursor to identifying what to be thankful for. So here’s an idea to practice mindfulness.
  Set an alarm on your phone to remind you to notice what’s going on around you. Then use that awareness to make a statement of gratitude. This alarm could be at random times or the same time everyday. You just need something that takes you out of task mode or autopilot and reminds you to be mindful of the time and space around you.
  
• Find Gratitude in Challenges.
  You can find things to be thankful for by changing your perspective on challenges. This is a hard one, but it can be revolutionary to your life. As Christians, we are told in Romans 8:28 “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Guys, this verse does not mean life is going to be easy or even good, but it will be for our good. There’s a difference. So when something hard happens, know that this is growing you in some way. You can have gratitude in the fact that there is a loving God that cares enough to make you better and sanctify you. So challenges are an opportunity for improvement and growth.
  Also on a side note, if you can identify small victories or things to be thankful for in the midst of challenges, it helps you get through them. 
  
• Spend Time with Someone You Love.
  If you are having a hard time being grateful, sometimes you need to be recharged. Your friends and family can help with this. Also, time with loved ones can remind you of the value of their relationships in your life.
• • Another way to identify gifts from God in your life is showing love towards others. Whether that is volunteering or a friendly conversation at a bus stop, people who are different than us help us see new things to be thankful for.
    

How does thankfulness change your life? What does that do to your view of life?

Practicing mindful gratitude regenerated my fitness life and my daily life with God. This practice was one of the keys to me losing weight in a year and kept my fitness since then.  When I was thankful for the body I had, I was more willing to care for it. When I was thankful for the food I had, I was more willing to eat slowly and enjoy. On a personal level, I am more joyful and caring to others. I believe mindful gratitude is one of the foundational principles to becoming more like Christ. It not only puts you in a position to grow, but it also promotes an active dependence on the One who gave you these things. Remember “In everything give thanks,…” (1 Thess 5:18).

Let’s go practice mindful gratitude. If you have any additional ways or tips that would be beneficial, please write in the comments below. Let’s help each other. As always, have a good one.