How to Use Gratitude in Your Amazing Life
Have you ever wondered how some people seem .. well .. happy? As a person with a naturally positive outlook on life, I was surprised when I went through a phase of not feeling my normal positive self. Maybe it was the cloudy winters of the Pacific Northwest. Or maybe I was being surrounded by too many people with low vibrations. It took a little while, but after taking time to notice and reflect upon the things I was thankful for, I discovered how to use gratitude to build an amazing life.
Now, believe me, life isn’t always a bed of roses. It would probably be a little boring if it were. But by including gratitude in my daily habits, I’ve been able to have more amazing days. And gratitude doesn’t have to be reserved for epic occasions like getting that big promotion or landing a new client. Actually, you might find that expressing gratitude for the simple things in life can actually be just as rewarding as those big moments in life. When was the last time you were thankful for that delicious piece of chocolate (I just adore Loving Earth vegan salted organic caramel chocolate) or your work friend who left a flower on your keyboard?
Regularly reflecting on moments, we’re thankful for can significantly improve our well-being and life satisfaction. And people who routinely practice gratitude sleep better, have stronger immune systems, and are more likely to show compassion and kindness. So, let’s jump right in and share some keys to help you start (and maintain) your gratitude practice.
Know that the Universe Truly Has Your Back
Let’s go straight to Gabrielle Bernstein with this one. Gabby has an amazing book, a deck of cards, and journal if you’re looking for more guidance from the guru herself. By trusting in your relationship with the Universe, the path to your destiny becomes clearer. So just remember that you can co-create your reality. Expressing gratitude is one of the ways to do this by thinking about what feels good and then being open to receiving the guidance in whatever way it comes to you.
When I discovered – and researched – more about this, I couldn’t quite believe the changes it had in my life. The daily treks to pick up my kids from their daily activities became a chance to be thankful for having three healthy children. And gratitude for the time I was able to spend with them in the car, to hear their stories and thoughts about life. It opened my eyes to more of the world around me and the gift of the everyday.
Having a Gratitude Practice
Ah, this is a good one. Being able to adopt a gratitude practice sometimes feels difficult. Check out my post on mastering your morning using routines and habits for tips on having a productive day. But let’s be honest. Some mornings you just don’t have two hours to prepare for the day.
While daily journaling has been fantastic lately, I find that I just can’t make the time. Or I feel tired. You know life happens. So I’ve found a new technique of just talking through what I’m grateful for. Either in my mind. Or even aloud. So, I’ll say, “I am grateful for a week in Japan, with its calmness and serenity,” or “I am grateful for the guy who came and repaired the clothes dryer.” Even yesterday, when I was meeting with colleagues, I said: “I’m grateful that we get to work together on this project.”
Because here’s the thing. A gratitude practice doesn’t have to be fancy. It doesn’t have to be a burden. The very fact that you took the time to do it will make the difference.
Perhaps a gratitude jar is more your thing. If you’re experiencing a moment of gratitude, write it on a piece of paper and then put it in the jar. Then dig into the jar at the end of the month or year and review what you wrote. Of course, if you do love journaling, here are some resources to help you keep the habit going.
Share Your Gratitude
Life is a composite of millions of individual interactions. And these interactions impact your vibrations or energy. So it makes sense that sharing your gratitude with others will feel better for you, and also for others.
You can add positive energy to every conversation throughout your day. Perhaps you can write a gratitude letter to someone who you never properly thanked. Or share a moment that you’re thankful for, when having dinner with the family. And don’t worry, it doesn’t have to feel deliberate or contrived. Maybe you could say something like: “Mason, remember when you brought me coffee when I was spending some extra time in bed? I said thank you, but I want to let you know how much I really appreciated it. Your kindness made me feel so loved. Thank you!”.
Another way of sharing your gratitude is to compliment others. The great thing about compliments is they are free, so don’t hesitate to pile them on. How about at work, saying: “Amy, thanks for staying late today. I don’t know what we would have done without your great help”. Or at home, try this: “Wow, your room looks so nice and clean. Thanks for vacuuming your floor and putting your clothes away”.
Accept Gratitude
While you’re giving out compliments and sharing thanks with others, how about receiving them? The best way to produce sustainable improvements in well-being is to appreciate what you already have and continue creating new experiences with people who matter most.
So, learn how to graciously accept the gift of compliments. The best response when someone compliments might be a simple thanks. If these two words don’t feel like they are enough, you might want to say what you are thankful for: “Thanks so much, that means a lot to me” or “Thank you. I love these jeans too. They are so comfortable!”.
Key Takeaways
Do you want more from your life? More happiness, health, well-being? Better relationships, career opportunities,
So, in a show of thanks, if you would, share your comments below about what you’re grateful for today.
