That’s the question I have been asking myself over and over for weeks now … why do people think it’s hard to “show” gratitude? To “do” gratitude? To “be” gratitude?
The concept of being grateful and thankful for most of us started at a very young age. We were taught by our parents to say please and thank you when we wanted something or were asking for something. We were taught to say thank you or write thank you notes when we received gifts from others. Some of us were even taught to say thank you before each meal in the form of a prayer.
So what’s changed now that we are adults? Where did the disconnect occur?
While I can’t explain the shift or why people find it unnecessary to say thank you to people any longer, I can tell you that the people I know who show gratitude and practice gratitude in their daily lives are happier human beings. They feel more fulfilled every day. They are quick to share with others and enjoy it. What? People actually do this? Yep! And you can to!!
Here are some easy practices you can start immediately to change your mindset and start living a life filled with gratitude!!
- Say thank you!!
Easy right? Well if it’s so easy why are only 10 out of 100 people doing it? Live in the present and be grateful and respectful. Say thank you to your waiter/waitress every time they refill your drink. Say thank you to the cashier handing you your change or debit card back. Say thank you to the person holding the door open for you as you walk in behind them. Say thank you out loud when you get the “princess parking” spot in the front row at your grocery store. Say thank you to your husband/wife when they take the trash out. Say thank you to your kids when they walk the dog. If you are reading this and asking yourself if you do these things or not….it doesn’t matter. Start now….say thank you!
- Journal
This is my favorite way to show gratitude. I journal every single day in the morning while drinking my coffee. Yes, I get up a little earlier to make sure I can accomplish this every single day. It doesn’t take long and can change your whole day by starting off in a mindset of gratefulness. It doesn’t have to be fancy or formal. Just a note book or journal and a pen. Write from your heart. It doesn’t have to be lengthy (although if you stick with it daily, you will be surprised how much you have to be grateful for every day). My entries start the same way every day….the date and this sentence: Today I am grateful for_______________________________.
- Before Bed Meditation
If you aren’t a morning person, this may be more your speed. Before going to bed every night, quietly close your eyes and listen to your yourself breathe. Feel the breath going in and out of your lungs, feel the rise and fall of your chest. Then quietly say thank you for the blessings you received that day. Even on a bad day, there is always something to be thankful for. And if you truly feel like you can’t find anything, focus back on your breathing and be thankful for each and every breath you are taking. I’m sure this will lead to other things to be grateful for.
- Read a Daily Devotional
Reading is one of the easiest ways to not only practice being grateful but to actual feel grateful!! There are many ways to accomplish this in today’s techy world. There are apps on your phone that you can download for free. You can purchase a book or a calendar that have 365 devotionals to read daily. You can read the bible if you choose. So many options. It doesn’t matter what you choice, but that you are making the choice to show up every single day and be grateful!
I hope these ideas have inspired you to show gratitude in a big way! If you are new to this, pick the one that is easiest for you and start there. If you are looking for a different way to show your gratitude, choose one that you haven’t tried before and test it out. The important thing is to start. Today.
Thank you for following my blog. – Teri
Teri Brauer 