I’d like to fib here and tell you that I always practice Gratitude.
Truth is, I’m working on it. How about you—are you working towards an Attitude of Gratitude?
What does that even mean? Let’s look at it. Here are 5 ways you can work on adding more Gratitude to your life, and why you should.
1. Start the day with a Grateful Heart. I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty inclined to start the day with a mongo-sized coffee and a to-do list. But what if we could insert something before the java? Maybe some gratitude, hmmm? You could change the trajectory of your day if you begin with just one moment of gratitude. Maybe even before you get out of bed. Something as simple as,
“I am so grateful for a decent night’s sleep.” Or
“No headache this morning—that’s a blessing!” Or
“Thank goodness there is a mongo coffee in my near future!”
2. Be Actively Kind. When was the last time a stranger told you your hair looked nice? Or complimented your shirt? Felt amazing, didn’t it? The cool thing is, that compliment felt just as amazing for the giver as it did for you. The next time you’re out and about, tell the cashier she’s got a great smile, or the lady behind you in line that her baby is cute, or the guy on the sidewalk that his dog is awesome.
Bonus! You both feel terrific!
3. Keep a Gratitude Journal. So, I read in a book one time that I should end each day by writing down 10 things I was grateful for that day. So I bought a pretty journal (I love journals), and I tried it. And I hated it. Too much of a commitment! But what I have been able to do is 1 Grateful Statement a Day. Here’s what mine looks like.
You can see that, this month, I was grateful for plumbers. Sometimes it’s the small things, people.
4. Look Up. I swear, there’s something magical about raising your face to the sky. Even on a cloudy day, that small act of acknowledging the world around you can be transformative.
Look up. Smile. Say hello to the universe and be grateful for your place in it.
5. Practice Mindfulness. If you’ve been hanging around with me for long, you’ve heard about the power of being mindful and present in our own lives. If you’re ready to move beyond some of these simple steps, or if you think a little structure might help in your Gratitude practice, try The Insight Timer. It’s an app for your phone with wonderful guided moments of presence and gratitude. I love it, and I bet you will, too.
Want to read more about Gratitude? Here’s a great article from Psychology Today on the scientifically proven benefits of being grateful.
Becky Eason, PhD, is an Associate Certified Coach and Certified Leadership Coach. She would love to come with you on your journey for wellness and a happy heart. Learn more on her website: wequestforwellness.com