Grow your gratitude.
As we enter this season of Thanksgiving, the true meaning tends to get overshadowed by the freneticism of meal prep and hosting – only pausing to give gratitude during grace.
But how different is this scenario from your every day? While holiday schedules overwhelm, the hectic buzz of everyday living is far from boring.
Gratitude not only makes you feel good, an attitude of gratitude makes you more enjoyable to be around – your vibe is delightful and contagious. Believe it or not, it’s also motivating to get you up and active, helping your physical health and wellbeing too! Studies show that the practice of gratitude not only lifts your spirits and calms your mind, but it can also help improve sleep, increase empathy and enhance self-esteem.
It’s time for a makeover! Here are a few tips to get you started. For a complete makeover, join my virtual workshop November 28th at 7:30pm or November 30th at noon. Learn more and register here.
Step #1: Get clear on WHY you want more gratitude.
There are endless benefits to gratitude - many of which are listed above. All of these are life enhancers. The question is: what will these enable you to experience in life that you may not be fully experiencing already?
Getting clear on WHY you want more gratitude can provide just the motivation you need to succeed. It’s not about setting a goal – for example, journaling three times a week. Then you’ll just write to write. It’s about creating a shift in your mindset with a bigger picture – the life you want to experience – in mind.
So take some time to really think about this and get clear on WHY exactly it is you want to live a life of greater gratitude. This will help you set your intention for how you will achieve this.
Step #2: Explore your world through the lens of gratitude.
Next, take a deep dive into what you’re grateful for in all areas of your life: Friendships, relationships, parenting, emotional and physical health, career, where you live, experiences you’ve had, lessons learned, challenges overcome – the list is endless.
On a separate sheet of paper, list all the people, things and experiences you’re grateful for in each area listed above – small wins are sometimes more significant than big milestones. As you reflect on what you’ve written, ask yourself these questions:
What are you learning about yourself?
How is this impacting your view of gratitude?
How is this inspiring your gratitude intention?
Step #3: Weaving gratitude into the fabric of you.
Now, let’s explore HOW you want to practice gratitude. There are countless ways to do it. Here a just a few ideas to consider:
Journaling. Finding time throughout the week to sit quietly and write down all that you’re grateful for in that moment.
Gratitude jar. After finding and decorating a jar, simple write down three things you’re grateful for each day– each on a separate slip of paper – and place them into the jar. Take one when you need it, give as often as you can.
Walk with gratitude. This one is simple – go for a walk. As you walk, observe the things around you and note why you’re grateful for them.
Gratitude note. Sit down with a blank card and write a note of thanks to someone in your life. These days, a hand-written note in-and-of-itself is something to be grateful for, but the words from your heart within it? Those are priceless.
And don’t feel like you have to select just one method. Sometimes it helps to mix them up a bit! Whichever you choose, keep your WHY in mind and you’ll always have a motivator.
Enjoy this magical season.
