5 Ways to be More Grateful

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and it got me thinking — why is it that we reserve just one day out of the year to outwardly express our gratitude? I got curious and did the math– that one day, Thanksgiving, is only 0.27% of our whole year. It’s astonishing to me that we allocate such a small fraction of our lives to being appreciative for what we have, the life we live, and the people who surround us. Are we really that vain and inconsiderate? 

Earlier this year, I made myself a promise to be more grateful and make gratitude more prominent in my daily life. The reflection has made me happier, more intentional, helped develop deeper relationships, and I’m more in touch with myself and my place in this world. I once heard the saying, “The more you are thankful, the more you attract things to be thankful for” and I couldn’t agree more.

Life is short, be appreciative for what you have, and don’t be afraid to outwardly express it. 

Here are five ideas on how to be more thankful in your daily life, some of which I personally use:

Keep a gratitude list/journal

Whether on paper or your phone, write down the things you are grateful for whenever you think of something. I personally create a monthly gratitude list in my bullet journal (planner) and write down the people, places, and things I am grateful for that month. You could take it a step further and keep a journal full of daily gratitude entries. While I don’t do this, I do find peace in keeping a daily journal.

 

Allocate five minutes of your day to sit and reflect

Whether it’s while you’re making your morning coffee, brushing your teeth, or lying in bed, make part of your routine to reflect and be appreciative. This goes with a Stephen King quote that says: “Don’t let the sun go down without saying thank you to someone, and without admitting to yourself that absolutely no one gets this far alone.”

 

Pick up your phone and contact the people you are thankful for

Call, FaceTime, or text the people in your life — not only does it feel good on your end, but they appreciate it too. It’s not weird, life is short, tell people what they mean to you. If you want, you could even write them a handwritten note.

 

Thank the people who serve you

Thank shuttle drivers, the people who clean up after you, your professors, etc. It doesn’t go unnoticed, especially when it seems other people are starting to say “thank you” less.

 

Make a point to look for the bright side of things

As Charles Dickens said, “Reflect upon your present blessings–of which every man has many–not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.” Focus on the things you do have, and what you were blessed with, as opposed to the unfortunate, depressing, irritating things you can’t change. With this comes trying not to complain.

Yes, it’s Thankful season right now, but try to make practicing gratitude a year-round undertaking. Happy Thanksgiving, I appreciate every person who took the time to read this article. 

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