“It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful.”
David Steindl-Rast
Today’s article is about the practice of gratitude. As a tool for happiness, it has been in the mainstream for years. Long-term studies support gratitude’s effectiveness, suggesting that a positive, appreciative attitude contributes to greater success in work, greater health, peak performance in sports and business, a higher sense of well-being. A grateful person experiences a higher level of positive thoughts like love, happiness, and less stress level.
But while we may acknowledge gratitude’s many benefits, it can still be difficult to sustain. Some people are trained to notice what is broken, undone or lacking in their lives. And for gratitude to meet its full potential healing power in our lives, it needs to become more than just a “Thanksgiving” word. We have to learn a new way of looking at things, a new habit, a mindset. And that can take some time.
That’s why practicing gratitude makes so much sense. When we practice giving thanks for all we have, instead of complaining about what we lack, we give ourselves the chance to see all of life as an opportunity and a blessing. The pathway to success, whatever definition that might look like for you, is through an ever-grateful attitude for what you have today, right now, in this very moment, rather than what you’re lacking .
“Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity…it makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”
Melody Beattie
Remember that gratitude isn’t a blindly optimistic approach in which the bad things in life are white-washed or ignored. It’s more of a matter of where we put our focus and attention. Pain and sadness exist in this world, but when we focus on the gifts of life, we gain a feeling of well-being. Gratitude balances us and gives us hope.
“Gratitude balances us and gives us hope.”
What is Gratitude and why it is important
The word gratitude comes from the Latin word gratia, which means grace, graciousness, or gratefulness (depending on the context). In some measure, gratitude covers all of these meanings. Gratitude is a thankful appreciation for what an individual receives, whether tangible or intangible. With gratitude, people acknowledge the goodness in their lives. As a result, being grateful also helps people connect to something larger than themselves as individuals — whether to other people, nature, or a higher power.
According to positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with setback and adversity, and build strong relationships.
How to start a gratitude practice:
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Gratitude can change your life because it makes you appreciate what you have rather than what you don’t have. Gratitude can change your life because it is the single most powerful source of inspiration that any person can tap into if they can simply just stop and pay attention to the simple beauty and miracle of life. By practicing gratitude, you are counting your blessings every day intentionally. This habit makes you a happier person day by day.
Yes, I know. Maybe I’m in the small minority when I say that gratitude can change your life. Maybe I’m part of the select few voices out there who really know, deep down inside that a transformational shift can occur when you become totally grateful for everything in your life, even your obstacles. Or maybe not…….
There are so many things to be grateful for; you were able to wake up this morning and experience yet another beautiful day, you have roof over your head- many are living on the street, you have legs that work, friends who listen and really care, you have someone in your life who loves you unconditional, you can afford meals and share pictures on social media, you can afford a holiday, you are in great shape, both physically and mentally, you live in a safe country, your health supports you to achieve your dreams, love and laughter, the ability to read, your health, butterflies. What’s on your list?
Some Ways to Practice Gratitude
Let’s do a little challenge. For 5 minutes look around yourself, notice and now tell me 3 things that make you feel grateful. How many of you can count more than 3 things that you are grateful for? Very few, right? Do you ever feel the importance of gratitude in your
- Keep a gratitude journal in which you list things for which you are thankful and grateful for. You can make daily, weekly or monthly lists. This may be a better way for creating a new habit, but just keeping that journal where you can see it will remind you to think in a grateful way.
- Make a gratitude collage by drawing or pasting pictures.
- Practice gratitude around the dinner table or make it part of your night time or morning routine.
- Make a game of finding the hidden blessing in a challenging situation.
- When you feel like complaining, make a gratitude list instead. You may be amazed by how much better you feel.
- Notice how gratitude is impacting your life. Write about it, sing about it, and express thanks for gratitude.
Final thoughts
Having a grateful mindset changes the way we see things around us and how we think. Gratitude can truly change and transform your life and help you notice and appreciate all the good things around you. But it doesn’t happen overnight. Nothing ever does.
Gratefulness is a great tool to enhance your life—daily gratitude is like medicine for the heart and soul, bringing more and more happiness and wellbeing. Even if you are going through challenges, you can find things to be grateful for, and practicing this will transform your life.
There are many easy things we can do to practice daily gratitude, and I’ve shared some of them. Use these practices and enjoy the huge benefits in your life!