Gratitude

“Gratitude is the best gift you can give yourself”- Steve Harvey.

Being grateful can transform one’s mood and satisfaction with life. The practise of being grateful can sometimes be underrated and underutilised. Being grateful can yield great results for not a lot of time and hard work.

If you have never really given gratitude much thought, here are seven scientifically-proven benefits of being grateful from Psychology Today:

  1. Gratitude opens the door to more relationships
  2. Gratitude improves physical health
  3. Gratitude improves psychological health
  4. Gratitude enhances empathy and reduces aggression
  5. Grateful people sleep better
  6. Gratitude improves self-esteem
  7. Gratitude increases mental strength

I wonder if we are to acknowledge what isn’t going right, it’s only fair to acknowledge what is going well. Life is made up of ups and downs, twists and turns. An attitude of gratitude is not living in a state of denial but instead being present and mindful of what is going on in and around you, even if it’s being grateful for the little things that we can often take for granted!

Sometimes it can be second nature to pull out the old kettle and have a pity party. I have found myself at these parties feeling sorry for myself. As I have become more aware of what is happening internally, I am learning to read the signs and not waste time at these pity parties wallowing in my disappointments or contemplating my what-ifs. Why? Because it doesn’t change a thing, and it doesn’t contribute to my wellbeing.

Being grateful takes practice, and it comes down to what you choose to focus on. If you could relate with me and you have attended or are currently attending these “pity parties”, there is no condemnation. From my heart to yours, you deserve more. Listening to your thoughts is a great place to start because your actions soon follow your thoughts.

When you catch yourself going down the spiral of despair or the like, acknowledge that it’s less than hoped for and choose to focus on what is going right, no matter how small it might be. Another thing that you might like to do is keep a gratitude journal or say what you are grateful for out loud. Each person is different, so it’s about finding what works for you. On a side note, I am grateful for you and thanks for reading. I would love to hear from you and how you are tracking with your gratitude journey. Until next time. C

Recommended Resource: Thank God It’s Today

Source: Psychology Today