Well, an attitude of gratitude can and will change your life. It will definitely raise your happiness quotient, it will reduce your stress and it will positively impact your overall sense of contentment and peace.
I was so skeptical when I was first introduced to practicing gratitude. I thought how could being grateful possibly change my life for the better? I was healing from an abusive relationship. Truthfully, I was drinking too much and engaging in destructive behaviours. I really couldn't see anything good in my life for the present moment and the future was even bleaker.
A very wise friend who was tired of hearing my tale of woe asked me one day, "What are you grateful for?" Huh!? She simply said "What about music? You love music. It brings you pure joy." She was right. Music did and on countless occasions music helped me get through a rough patch.
So, it turned out I did have something to be grateful for. I decided to earnestly give gratitude a shot and see what happened if anything.
Gratitude worked for me and it will for you too!
Start small - take 5 or 10 minutes and write down or just reflect on things you are grateful for. When you're ready, start your gratitude journal or jar. Each week or month, reflect on all that you have been grateful for.
Say Thank You with a Smile- to the servers, to the police officer, to your children's teacher, to your spouse, to anyone at anytime who does something to make your life better.
Write a Letter of Gratitude - Have a teacher, coach, co-worker, old friend, or mentor who has made a difference in your life? When was the last time you told them? Sit down and write a handwritten note of thanks for the difference they have made in your life. Deliver it by hand or pop in the mail.
Next time you are outside or with a group of people, instead of checking your phone, take time to simply enjoy the moment.
Exercise your gratitude muscle often. You will be grateful you did.
How do you practice gratitude? Would love to hear how you bring gratitude to your daily life.
Susan
