We are officially a few days away from Thanksgiving! For some, it is not their favorite holiday for one reason or another, family drama, or not a fan of the food, etc. For others, they use this opportunity to give back to the community or to reflect on what they are truly most grateful for. This is the season of thanks, but what does it really mean to be grateful? How can we extend our gratitude beyond this season and into our lives every day? I break down three ways we can start practicing gratitude together for a more fulfilled life.
As I was gathering information to share with you for today’s diary, I came across a page the CDC and NIH have dedicated to practicing gratitude. It made me stop to think… hmm, if the CDC and NIH are sharing this, there definitely is an impact on your health. With practicing gratitude daily, you are more likely to reduce stress levels and increase your physical and emotional well-being – and it all starts with your mindset and your actions.
When you make gratitude a regular habit, it can help you learn to recognize good things in your life despite the bad things that might be happening. – NIH
WRITE IT DOWN
Take a moment in the morning or evening to list a few things you are grateful for. Really relax your mind when you do this, reflect, and let it go. For example:
- I am happy that I started my blog many years ago and never gave up on it.
- I am grateful to make my coffee every morning how I like it.
- I am grateful for the 30 minutes I take to read a book I enjoy each day.
One journal that has been on my radar for years is the Five Minute Journal. It is a guided journal that is to help you build the habit of practicing gratitude daily, with the idea that it does not have to take a lot of time. I finally got my hands on one and plan to start journaling in the new year.
EXPRESS IT
Share with your friends and family what makes you happy. It can be something as simple as a good coffee, but on a deeper level, it can be something you are grateful for that your friend did for you, or something a family member helped you with.
SHOW IT
Every day we have the opportunity to share happiness with others, it can be as simple as paying it forward or being more active in the community.
MAKE IT A HABIT
Now that you have some ideas on how you can start practicing gratitude, pick one to start. As this becomes a habit, do more. Practicing this daily is for you! You can change your mindset and change your life.
There is so much to be grateful for in this season and beyond.
Shop This Post