I was recently listening to a class on the benefits of being thankful and how that simple action can have positive effects on your physical and mental wellbeing. I agree wholeheartedly and often write in my gratitude journal in the mornings before I get out of bed, to help start my day with a positive spirit. But a real-life lesson that I learned from a friend, showed me the true meaning of gratitude in a way no one could’ve expected.
The day after listening to the class, I got a text from a friend who shared heartbreaking news that she was recently in a car accident and was now paralyzed from the waist down. But something she said will stick with me forever – she felt that God has a plan for her, even though she wasn’t sure what it was. She was happy to be alive and that no one else was seriously hurt in the accident.
She showed me a living example on the true meaning of gratitude. Instead of being sad, resentful, or angry for what she’s lost, she’s intentionally chosen to be grateful for everything that she has. So, the rest of us have no excuse.
Gratitude and attitude are not challenges;
they are choices.
Robert Braathe
Start a daily gratitude practice
It’s not hard to incorporate a daily gratitude practice into your life. Just a few minutes a day will make a big difference.
- Tune your awareness to the good things in your life, and people who support you, both past and present.
- Start a daily gratitude journal by taking a moment to reflect on something good in your day. You can choose to do this at the start of your day to set the tone, or at the end of your day to help you remember the good.
- Replace negative thoughts with positive ones. Reframe the challenges in your life into opportunities to learn and grow.
- Take mindful moments to pause and reflect throughout the day. Use all five senses to connect to your surroundings.
- Express your gratitude to others. Show them that they’re appreciated and the positive impact they have on you.
- Pay it forward.Start a ripple effect of kindness, even in a small way. Even simple actions can have meaning.
- Pay attention to the positive effects that showing gratitude has in your life. This awareness will make you want to continue your gratitude practice and strengthen your resilience.
Do you already have a daily gratitude practice? What’s it look like for you?