Finding Gratitude and Joy: What the Bible Says About GratitudeSample

The “No” Muscle

I have found getting into the practice of telling myself "no" has been incredibly helpful for battling discontent and living a more grateful life. I still view it as a daily exercise—just like getting my 10,000 steps in for the day.

Each morning, I ask myself, “What desire do I have that I can tell my flesh ‘no’ to today?” It might be saying no to dessert until after dinner, saying no to Netflix and yes to opening the Bible app, or it might even be saying no to responding to a troll on Instagram.

Every time we say "no" to our flesh we are strengthening that muscle. By developing this habit, I began to be thankful and more content. I was finally enjoying the things I had rather than just chasing after the newest toy on the market.

And if we’re not programmed to get a new car every other year, a new wardrobe each season, or a bigger house to impress our friends, then it’s much easier to find joy in what we have and spend less overall. It has taken me a while to dismantle this habit of discontent, and while there are times I still battle it, I believe it’s one of the most important moves I made in my financial life. I no longer have an insatiable desire for that “next thing,” so I no longer spend money to find temporary satisfaction. This process has proved to be tremendously valuable in my personal journey of living a life of gratitude.

So for today, be thinking about how you can stretch your “No’ muscle to grow in your contentment and gratitude for the blessings you have!