Gratitude is a dying art. If this fact sounds a teensy bit alarming to most of you, then you are not alone! Gratitude (like its cousins – kindness, love, charity, empathy and more) just seems to be one of those skills that people simply aren’t bothering to really learn any longer. But working daily on your gratitude and appreciation for just everything and anything in your life will pay off in more ways that you can even begin to imagine!
One important thing to remember when you are grateful is to SHOW IT! Studies have found that those who regularly express gratitude are happier, less depressed and more satisfied with their lives overall than those who don’t.
So be grateful for the things you already have! Since the Law of Attraction states that “like attracts like”, when you’re grateful for what you already have, you will naturally attract more things for which you can be grateful.
Giving back offers a large set of health benefits too. Giving has been associated with better physical fitness, lower blood pressure, lower risk of heart disease, lower cholesterol, better sleep, reduced stress and even a longer lifespan!
When you work on cultivating things like gratitude, you are then able to actually feel true joy and contentment, no matter what you have or don’t have in your life. It isn’t even a difficult process – simply try out these tips!
· Try being grateful for the little things
o Stuff like air conditioning or the fact that you don’t have to work on the weekend are all great reasons to say thanks!
· Try rehearsing your blessings mentally throughout the day
o There are many small opportunities every day to be thankful! Don’t miss the chance to recognize them
· Don’t forget to appreciate and be thankful for your OWN positive qualities and accomplishments!
o Celebrate your big successes, but don’t forget to acknowledge the daily victories
o We all need acknowledgment, but the most important acknowledgment is that which we give ourselves
· If you are single, don’t feel frustrated or sad about it… this just means that you have the freedom to choose your mate and make sure that you find the right one
o In the same way, we can shift our perception of looking at other things, like the job we have which we don’t really like all that much or our current living situation
At first, it may not feel natural to focus on appreciating the things that you already have. However, by faithfully practicing some daily habits of gratitude, you’ll quickly begin to change your life!
How to do it though?
Want to kick-start your daily gratitude practice? Take a few moments each day to share at least three things for which you’re grateful for with people. Even the smallest act of gratitude will have a positive impact on your life!
Written by Veronika for Motivational Moments