Gratitude changes everything. In my opinion, it’s the foundation for happiness. I once read that it’s impossible to be grateful and angry at the same time and as I’ve gotten older, I think that applies to so many emotions. It’s impossible to be grateful and angry, grateful and anxious, grateful and afraid…the list goes on. Gratitude is a powerful emotion and if we can learn how to tap into it in our day-to-day lives, it can change everything. One of my favorite books of all time on this subject is called “The Magic” by Rhonda Byrne. In this book, the author takes you on a 28-day gratitude journey where you have the ability to change your perspective and find a more joyful existence. What I loved most about this book is that it wasn’t just about the big gratitude practices, it was about the small moments in our day we can choose to be thankful.
Now don’t get me wrong, I love a gratitude journal. But sometimes, I feel the biggest difference when I stop in the middle of a busy day, look around and take note of the blessings that surround me. That’s where the power is and that’s where the joy truly begins. For me, I lean on my gratitude practices to work through stressful times and to ensure I’m remaining as present as possible. That being said, I believe we can all cultivate a gratitude practice that works best for us. We’re all different and what feels impactful for me may not feel as impactful for you.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving this week, let’s take the opportunity to reset. It’s the perfect time to take inventory of how we practice gratitude and implement a few practices to keep us present during this holiday season. Here are a few of my favorites:
Gratitude Journal
This practice doesn’t have to be long or tedious, but it can be very effective. Instead of waking up, grabbing our phone and scrolling on Instagram for 30 minutes, keep a journal and a pen by your bed. When you open your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and think about who and what you’re grateful for. It could be a person, it could be your ability to go to the workout you have planned, or it could simply be the gift of opening your eyes and living another day. Grab your journal, jot them down and write or say the words “thank you”. It’s a 3-minute practice that can start your day off more beautifully than any social media post.
Mindfulness
For me, this is a big one. This could be a formal meditation practice on one of your favorite apps like Calm or the Superhuman app, but it could also be much less formal. Mindfulness is really just having an awareness of yourself. For example, when I start to feel overwhelmed or stressed with my to-do list for the day, I find it helpful to pause, close my eyes and be where my feet are. Take in the smells around you, feel the sun on your face, and stay in the present moment. Often taking just 1-2 minutes to ground yourself can give us the perspective we need to stay present and remember the blessings we’ve been given on any given day.
Express it
This may be uncomfortable for some people, but I’m telling you it’s a game changer. Let me paint the picture. It’s the day before Thanksgiving, you’re running around trying to pick up a few last-minute ingredients for your famous cupcakes and you stop into Starbucks to grab a coffee. You’re feeling a little stressed, but suddenly, the barista smiles at you and asks about your Thanksgiving plans. You talk for a few minutes while you wait for your coffee and suddenly you feel back in your body, grounded and present again. Instead of just taking note of that feeling, tell the barista you’re grateful for the joy they just brought to this moment of your day. It may sound cheesy, but telling people we’re grateful for them allows for connection and that’s a beautiful thing. Maybe it’s something simple like recognizing your husband for washing the dishes or telling your kids you’re grateful that they picked up their toys without you having to ask. When someone does something to make us feel good, tell them and watch what happens next.
Hopefully these ideas can help you to cultivate a gratitude practice for your life that brings you and the people around you more joy, more happiness, and more peace. Trust me when I say you’ll be surprised by what this newfound perspective brings to your life.
Happy Thanksgiving, friends. I’m grateful for each of you.
