I’m sure you hear often that it’s good to have a daily gratitude practice. I agree 100%. It can make the difference between an ok, or even a ‘bad’ day, and a great day. And, as you’ll see, it can actually make a difference in your health.
I’ll admit, when I started to focus on this years ago, I thought…’Geez, how much time do I need to spend on self growth and becoming more aware? I already do so many things to take care of myself and evolve into the person I want to be.”
I do often encourage clients to make a gratitude list and add to it regularly, and review it upon waking and going to bed. This is a great way to create an ongoing gratitude practice; to remain aware and not take things for granted.
It’s also possible to practice being grateful with no time spent on specific activities, no more than a moment of thought. No matter what else is going on, what your day is like, there is always something to be grateful for.
The easiest way to practice gratitude is to be mindful and appreciative of the seemingly littlest things, the things we can take for granted. There’s constantly an opportunity to be thankful.
I find that my mood shifts immediately for the better when I notice and give thanks for what I have or can do. I say…
~[as I’m getting dressed] “I’m grateful for these warm, cozy socks!”
~[while I’m out for our walk] ”I’m so fortunate to have the time to walk my dog every day. Thank you!”
~[while cooking, even though it’s not my favorite activity] “I’m thankful for all of these amazing, healthy ingredients I have to create my dinner.”
~[while hiking or planning my next one] ”I’m so grateful for my mobility, and ability to get out and enjoy Nature.”
~[when I have this urge and reach for the phone] ”It’s so awesome that I have friends to call when I need a boost or feel a need for connection. I’m so grateful!”
There’s a lot of focus these days on positive thinking (which is great!), and being thankful incorporates positive thoughts. The key to a gratitude practice that actually improves your life, however, is truly FEELING the gratitude, not just giving lip service. If you say, “I’m grateful,” that’s nice, but unless you really mean it, really feel it, the frequency doesn’t change much, or at all. They’re just empty words.
I know I mentioned Bruce Lipton recently, but I just love listening to him, so I’m sharing another of his videos. It’s not just that he imparts such great information, but that his outlook on life, his joy and enthusiasm are contagious and what he shares makes so much sense. I hope you enjoy this video, which helps us understand why being grateful actually helps us to stay healthy and live longer; having an ongoing gratitude practice and loving our lives (and ourselves) actually creates positive change in our DNA.
I’m grateful for so much in my life, and that includes you, my readers. What are you grateful for today?
If you’re struggling to see through a lens of gratitude, or connect with your amazing inner self, I’d love to talk with you about changing that. Free discovery call.