Giving Thanks is not just for Thanksgiving! You can embody a gratitude attitude all year round and make every day feel special.
The word gratitude comes from the Latin gratia, which means ‘grace, graciousness, or gratefulness.’
Expressing gratitude is a way for us to appreciate what we have, to stop and take inventory for the things, people, and opportunities we may be overlooking or unaware of.
We, as ever-evolving creatures, have a tendency to constantly be in search of something new - in the hopes that it will make us happier or more complete. In our pursuit to meet our every physical and material need, we are left feeling utterly satisfied. I find that this is one way that clutter accumulates!
When we are able to recognize the true nature of happiness and shift our understanding that happiness is not a destination, but a way of being, we are able to welcome an entirely new perspective into our world.
With an attitude of gratitude, we can begin to acknowledge the ‘goodness’ that is already present in our lives. In the process of taking inventory of the things we appreciate, that bring us joy, that delight us, that satisfy and fulfill us, and allowing those emotions to flow through us, we find that these experiences of gratitude can almost be transcendent.
It’s like we can recognize these moments, these experiences of ‘goodness,’ as a connection to something larger than ourselves - whether it be to other people, nature, or a higher power or god.
Six Ways to Welcome More Gratitude Into Your Life:
Learn to create and hold space for yourself
Self-care is crucial. What do I mean by self-care? Eating well, making the effort to move your body, taking time to be quiet, reflect or meditate, engaging in breathwork. One cannot pour from an empty cup - fill up your own cup first and you will be able to better help and serve others
2. Wake up in gratitude
Before you get out of bed, after you have awoken and are beginning to settle into consciousness, think of one thing that you are whole-heartedly grateful for. This is a great way to prime your day. Try saying it out loud!
Bonus: Do this right before bed for an extra boost!
3. Start a gratitude journal
Find or make a cute journal to record your gratitude. Set aside 10 minutes to note 3 to 5 things that you are grateful for, proud of, and excited about. You can do this at night or after rising
4. Express your gratitude
Tell whoever you are with the 3 things that you are most grateful for in this moment
5. Acknowledge yourself
Take the time to recognize what you have done for yourself and accomplished in the last day, week, month, and year. You’re an incredibly capable person! Instead of fixating on your shortcomings or perceived ‘flaws,’ give yourself credit for the big and small things you have been doing! Remember, comparison is the thief of joy :)
6. Acknowledge others
Thank the people in your life (friends, family, neighbors, mailpeople, delivery workers, role models) for inspiring, helping, and supporting you!
I’m grateful you took the time to read my article. If it resonated and you feel it may help others, please do share. Until then next time - Stay safe, stay home, stay grateful!
Sue xo