Practicing Gratitude for Inspired Growth
Let’s talk about gratitude. I’ve been researching mindfulness a lot lately, and the two are connecting more and more. Using gratitude as a tool for happiness has been mainstream for years. Long-term studies support gratitude’s effectiveness, suggesting that a positive, appreciative attitude contributes to increased success in work, improved health, peak performance in sports and business, a higher sense of well-being, and a faster recovery rate from surgery. But while you may acknowledge gratitude’s many benefits, sustaining an attitude of gratitude can still be challenging. So many are trained to notice what is broken, undone, or lacking in life. For gratitude to meet its full healing potential in your life, it needs to become more than just a Thanksgiving word. You have to learn a new way of looking at things, a new habit that takes some time.
What is gratitude?
Gratitude is a state of mind that allows you to focus on the positive aspects of your life. It is a way of thinking that enables you to appreciate what you have instead of complaining about what you don’t have. You are inspired to grow and lean into your life purpose when you feel grateful.
About gratitude:
Gratitude is not only about feeling thankful for the good things in your life. It is also about acknowledging the bad things and recognizing that they have made you who you are today.
It is about being present in the moment and recognizing all that you have to be thankful for.
When you are grateful, your entire perspective changes, and you see the world through a lens of abundance instead of scarcity. You realize that there is enough for everyone and that we are all connected.
Gratitude creates a sense of connection and belonging.
Why Practice Gratitude?
Knowing what gratitude is, you can see why practicing gratitude makes so much sense. When you practice giving thanks for all you have, instead of complaining about what you lack, you give yourself a chance to see all of life as an opportunity and a blessing. This also is a great way to keep yourself mindful and in the present moment.
Gratitude is scientifically proven to be one of the key ingredients to feeling happier and more fulfilled. Practicing gratitude is a great place to start if you’re looking for ways to inspire growth and live a life with more purpose.
Here are three reasons why you should make gratitude a part of your daily routine:
1. From sun up until bedtime, most people are running around and busy - stressing about work deadlines, upcoming bills, and whether or not the oven is off before leaving for the day. All this stress can take a toll on our physical and mental health if we don’t find ways to release it. One way to help reduce stress is by practicing gratitude.
2. Gratitude has been linked to improved physical health, increased psychological well-being, and inspired growth. When you focus on what you’re thankful for instead of what’s stressing you out, you’re better able to manage anxiety and depression. You may also find that you sleep better and have more energy when you make gratitude a part of your daily routine.
3. Gratitude leads to greater happiness. Studies have shown that individuals who practice gratitude daily are happier overall than those who don’t. One reason is that gratitude helps shift your focus from negative experiences to positive ones. Taking time each day to reflect on what’s going right in your life instead of what’s wrong naturally leads to increased happiness and well-being.
Remember that gratitude isn’t a blindly optimistic approach in which the bad things in life are ignored. It’s more a matter of where you put your focus and attention. Pain and injustice exist in this world, but when you focus on the gifts of life, you gain a feeling of well-being. Where you put your focus gets bigger – and while we can’t neglect the negative around us, we want to grow the positive impact around us. That means you must be sure to refocus on that daily and intentionally. Gratitude balances you and gives you hope.
There are many things to be grateful for:
colorful autumn leaves legs that work chocolate
friends who listen and hear our thoughts
fresh eggs warm jackets brandy wine tomatoes
the ability to read roses health butterflies
What’s on your list?
How to Practice Gratitude
When life gets tough, it can be easy to forget all the good things you have. However, research shows that practicing gratitude can help weather life’s storms and inspire growth.
There are many ways that you can start practicing gratitude today. One way is to keep a gratitude journal. Every day, take a few minutes to write down things you’re thankful for. They can be big or small – from your comfy bed to a great conversation you had with a friend. List things for which you are thankful. You can make daily, weekly or monthly lists. Greater frequency may be better for creating a new habit, so keep your journal where you can see it to remind you to think gratefully.
Another way to practice gratitude is to share your blessings. When something good happens to you, take a moment to share it with someone else. This could be telling a loved one about your day or writing a thank-you note to someone who did something kind for you. An extension of this is to pay it forward and when you receive a blessing, provide a blessing to someone else. You may be amazed by how much better you feel or how it impacts your perspective.
Some Practical Ways to Practice Gratitude
• Keep a gratitude journal
• Make a gratitude collage by drawing or pasting pictures.
• Practice gratitude around the dinner table, or make it part of your nighttime routine.
• Make a game of finding the hidden blessing in a challenging situation.
• When you feel like complaining, make a gratitude list instead.
• Notice how gratitude is impacting your life. Write about it, sing about it, and express thanks for your gratitude.
These are only a few ways to explore adding mindfulness and gratitude into your routine. Think of ways that could work for you. As you practice, an inner shift begins to occur, and you may be delighted to discover how content and hopeful you are feeling. That sense of fulfillment is gratitude at work.
I got you Boo! Give Coloring a Try
In a world where we are constantly bombarded with choices and the pressure to succeed, it can be challenging to relax and find time to simply be. However, more and more adults are choosing coloring as a way to unwind and find peace in their busy lives.
There are many benefits of coloring for adults. It can help inspire growth and creativity and provide a focus on your sense of purpose. It can be a way to connect with your inner child and bring a sense of playfulness back into your life.
Coloring may be the perfect activity if you are looking for a way to relax and de-stress. With so many benefits, it is no wonder adults worldwide are choosing to color their way to a happier, healthier life.
If you’d like to try using coloring to practice gratitude, here’s a Gratitude Coloring Book for you! Use the coupon code FALL80 to get a discount.
Finding time to focus on gratefulness and mindfulness can be difficult in today’s busy world. However, coloring is a straightforward way to add gratitude or mindfulness practices to your day.
Coloring can help you connect with your innermost thoughts and feelings and allow you to express them creatively. It can also be a form of meditation, helping you to focus on the present moment and let go of any stress or worry.
Grab some colored pencils or markers and find a quiet place to relax. Let the act of coloring help you to connect with your gratitude and sense of mindfulness.
How do you practice gratitude?
I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Ganbatte!
Heather