Let’s Talk about Gratitude
When I was a kid, one of my favorite shows had a theme song that went like this, “You take the good, you take the bad, you take them both and there you have the facts of life.” It seems like life really is a lot like this. You have bad things happen followed by good things no matter what your stage of life or circumstances. Some days you want to live in your misery or sadness and really feel it, but with Thanksgiving approaching I wanted to talk more about being thankful and having gratitude.
Focusing on being thankful in our lives is a conscious practice that can improve our overall well-being. Here are some tips to help you work towards a mindset of gratitude:
1. Start and End Your Day with Gratitude: Begin each morning by reflecting on three things you're grateful for. Before going to bed, take a moment to express thanks for the positive experiences of the day. This sets a positive tone for the day ahead and allows you to end your day on a grateful note. Even if you think of small things like, “I’m grateful I woke up today” or “I’m thankful the sun is out this morning”, it can really get your day started on a positive path.
2. Keep a Gratitude Journal: Regularly write down things you're thankful for, whether big or small. This helps you acknowledge the positive aspects of your life but also serves as a tangible reminder of your blessings during challenging times. Focusing on the abundance that you already have can help bring more into your life.
3. Express Appreciation to Others: Take the time to express your gratitude to those around you either by talking to them or writing a note. This could be friends, family, colleagues, or even strangers who have made a positive impact on your day. Letting others know you appreciate them not only strengthens your connections but also fosters a culture of gratitude.
4. Mindful Moments of Thanks: Incorporate mindfulness into your day by being fully present in the moment. When you find yourself in a beautiful or peaceful situation, take a moment to appreciate it fully. Whether it's the warmth of the sun on your face or the taste of a delicious meal, being mindful allows you to savor and acknowledge the positive experiences in your life.
5. Create Gratitude Rituals: Establish rituals that remind you to be thankful. This could be a weekly gratitude meditation, a monthly gratitude reflection, or even a daily gratitude walk. You could make a “Thankful Jar” at the beginning of the year. Put little slips of paper with things you are grateful for all through the year and read them all whenever you are going through hardships. Having structured rituals reinforces the habit of focusing on the positive aspects of your life.
6. Shift Perspective in Challenges: When facing challenges, consciously work on reframing your perspective. Instead of dwelling on what's going wrong, consider what you can learn or gain from the situation. This shift in mindset helps you find gratitude even in adversity. Finding even the tiniest silver lining in hard situations can help you make in through to the other side.
7. Practice Gratitude in Conversations: Integrate gratitude into your conversations. Instead of focusing solely on complaints or problems, make an effort to share positive experiences and express thanks during discussions. This not only uplifts the mood but also encourages others to adopt a grateful mindset. Even if you are having a bad day and need to vent about it, once you’ve done that you could try finding some good things to move the conversation on to.
8. Limit Comparisons: Avoid the trap of constantly comparing yourself to others. Instead of focusing on what you lack in comparison to someone else, concentrate on the unique blessings in your own life. This shift away from comparison allows you to appreciate your journey and circumstances.
9. Volunteer and Give Back: Engage in activities that involve giving back to others. Volunteering for a cause you believe in not only contributes positively to the community but also fosters a deep sense of gratitude for the abundance in your own life. Volunteering can give you a purpose in your life while also bringing light to someone else’s life.
10. Gratitude Reminders: Set reminders on your phone or use visual cues to prompt moments of gratitude throughout the day. These gentle pushes can be helpful in redirecting your focus to the positive aspects of your life. There are lots of gratitude journal, affirmation and daily reminder apps if you’d like to give yourself a daily nudge to work on your gratitude.
By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can gradually train your mind to focus on being thankful, leading to a more fulfilling and positive life experience. Here are a few of the things I am grateful for: My family, friends, good health, freedom to have my own business and speak my mind, my dog, book clubs, being able to travel, wonderful clients who have supported me in my business adventure, and so grateful for the wonderful, beautiful, safe community in which we live!
