Have you ever had a thought pop into your head from nowhere and stay there? Well, the topic of gratitude seems to be lodged in mine. It could be the time of year. February, with its focus on LOVE, tends to make me nostalgic about all the special people in my life. Or, maybe it’s getting swept up in the joy and tears happening at this year’s winter Olympics….
Whatever the inspiration, gratitude is definitely on my mind. It’s a good feeling and a gentle reminder for me to lighten up.
After all, when we’re stressed out, worn down and overwhelmed – who the heck thinks of gratitude? We’re too busy focusing on what’s wrong and how to fix it; what’s next on our ever-growing to-do list, and oops … keeping that smile goin’.
You may be thinking Gratitude/Schmatitude – give me a break! That’ll happen when I get a minute… or when things calm down… or when I catch a breath…!
I totally get that, but stick with me for a minute ‘cause gratitude could just become your new bff.
Most of us know what gratitude is, and we’ve probably experienced it’s welcomed and often profound gifts. But, I mean, who knew that smiling changes our brain chemistry?
When gratitude is relegated to the background and is not top-of-mind; we miss out on the practical, positive and surprising benefits it can add to our everyday lives.
Besides, it’s such a quick, easy fix! It takes no time at all to notice the difference gratitude makes.
Gratitude softens the edges of our stress and anxiety. Who doesn’t want to feel lighter, more inspired and able to embrace life more calmly? Couldn’t everyone use a sprinkle of that kind of self-care?
Wondering how to develop your gratitude chops?
Simply focus on what you’re grateful for or deeply appreciate – an individual, a thought or feeling, a place, an event, an activity…. Whatever makes you feel good. That’s it!
Feel like starting a daily gratitude practice?
Here’s how:
- Be Intentional – Look for the good. Even when you can’t find one damn positive thing to appreciate.
- Be in the moment – Consciously acknowledge what you notice and appreciate.
- FEEL it – Sink into your heart and embody the beautiful energy that is the feeling of gratitude.
- Make time – Establish a ritual. Take the same time every day to reflect on gratitude (first thing in the morning, with your coffee, or before bed are popular times).
Searching for creative ways to practice gratitude?
Heartfelt thank you cards or letters are always great. I put my own twist on that many years ago when I actually wrote a thank you note to my curiosity! Yup, I was that grateful for it.
Here’s what I wrote: “Thank you curiosity, I so appreciate that you have the courage to just ask questions. That you even think of them-I love that about you because it stretches me and helps me grow. Today you helped me discover that I can adopt new perspectives when I start to feel anxious. You gave me an opportunity to explore and dig around, to discover a ‘good side’ to what I was anxious about. Who knew anxiety even had a good side?”
Other creative ideas worth considering…
- Journaling – daily or weekly works
- Do a gratitude “date” – thank someone who’s helped or supported you
- Start a gratitude box or jar
- List 5 – Five of WHATEVER you’re grateful for
- Gratitude apps – Google ‘em up!
I must say, having this thought of gratitude squatting in my brain has been great fun! It’s reminded me of how much I have to be grateful for, including the many special people who continue to inspire me and provide unconditional love and support.
Still convinced you’re too busy for gratitude? Try any of these quick go-to’s and see if you don’t reap an immediate benefit!:
- Take a single breath – that you intentionally notice
- Smile, just once
- Give one single, genuine “thank you”
Better yet, watch this 2-minute video from Oprah!
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Give me your take on gratitude…
What do you do to practice gratitude? Leave me your comment in the space below.