As we move into the season of giving thanks this November, we should remind ourselves to be aware of all the things we have to be grateful for. From being paid for by the person behind you in the drive thru line, to your roommate taking out the trash even though it is full of your things, there are plenty of things, both big and small, to take a moment to reflect on in our lives.
We often find ourselves being the most aware of the joy in our lives at the Thanksgiving dinner table every November, but practicing gratitude year round can have a variety of positive impacts on your life. According to Harvard Health Publishing, “Gratitude is a way for people to appreciate what they have instead of always reaching for something new in the hopes it will make them happier or thinking they can’t feel satisfied until every physical and material need is met. Gratitude helps people refocus on what they have instead of what they lack.” In appreciating what we have versus what we don’t, we can remain more grounded in our everyday lives, put faith in the present, and ultimately achieve a satisfaction with ourselves that we often lack.
With all that being said, you might be wondering, “How can I practice gratitude on a daily basis?” It’s much simple than many may think, and doesn’t need a brined bird or decorative gourds to be achieved. If you’re willing to actively make a change in your life and dedicate a few minutes of your day acknowledging all the good that exists around you, these easy gratitude practices can help you make the difference!
Practice 1: Keeping a gratitude journal.
This is easily the most utilized gratitude practice out there, simply because of how easy it really is to do. Getting a blank line-ruled journal with a cute cover to organize your grateful thoughts can help motivate you to keep on this gratitude journey. You may want to make daily lists of things that you find yourself being lucky to have in your life, or even write down a memory that you are grateful to have. Over time, this will help you to see that there is a lot more positive than negative in your life if you are mindful enough about it.
Practice 2: Meditation.
Meditating on the things in your life that bring you joy and abundance can be another great strategy for welcoming gratitude into your life. Clearing your mind of all it’s daily clutter and focusing purely on the most fulfilling things that exist for you allows you to mentally cultivate gratitude and peace.
Practice 3: Letter writing or text messaging.
Sharing your gratefulness with the people who give you reason to be grateful is an easy way to spread the positivity of gratitude. Letting others know how much of a meaningful impact you have on your life will make them feel appreciated as well as help you to recognize all the great figures in your life.
Practice 4: Acts of kindness.
Once you identify an act of kindness done for you, pass it on. If the barista at Starbucks gives you a compliment one morning, consider tipping them an extra dollar. If your mom sends you a nice message on a rough day, make sure to send her one back expressing how much she means to you. These little reciprocal gestures can help you actively express gratitude in small ways with big meanings. Gratitude doesn’t stop with you; it is up to you to continue on its message.
In summary, practicing gratitude can be simple acts that will ultimately make you more satisfied with what you have and help you accept wherever you may be in your journey. As we approach the most thankful time of the year, getting a kick start on gratitude can help you to appreciate the time spent with friends and family even more this time of year. Making theses small changes in your everyday routine can certainly improve how you live everyday, and make you appreciate each passing one a bit more.