Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude
Yesterday I came across an article taken from “Thanks! How Practicing Gratitude Can Make You Happier” by Robert A. Emmons.
Since we’re coming into the season to count our blessings and be thankful, I thought it would be a great time to share these wonderful tips.
9 Ways to Count Your Blessings
1. Keep a gratitude journal. A gratitude journal can give you perspective about the great things in your life. Take some time every day to write down five things that you are grateful for that day.
2. Remember and be grateful for challenges and “negative” experiences because they’ve taught you valuable lessons in patience, understanding, humility, and strength.
3. Focus on the gifts. Be thankful for the gifts that we receive from others, such as a smile or a kind word, as well as the gifts we offer to others.
4. Pray for gratitude or the ability to ge grateful. Whether or not you are religious, take the time to sit quietly and think about what you’re thankful for.
5. Be grateful for your health. The human body is an amazing machine. Be thankful for all that yours can do.
6. Keep a visual reminder to be grateful, such as a picture frame with your favorite gratitude quote, and surround yourself with grateful people.
7. Commit to practicing gratitude. Make a concerted effort to practice gratitude every single day. Let others know you appreciate them.
8. Maintain a positive, grateful attitude. Replace a negative internal monologue with positive thoughts.
9. If you must, fake it. If you’re having trouble being grateful, fake it until you are. Smile, say thank you and write a thank you note to someone who’s helped you recently. Soon, all of this gratitude will overtake any negativity.
“Showing gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful things humans can do for each other.” ~ Randy Pausch
