Gratitude –A key ingredient to a happy, fulfilling life. [9 tips]

 

I love a holiday, especially one that involves gratitude and giving thanks!

They are set markers for celebration and special times. Even birthdays I consider personally declared holidays! Although truly each day should be cherished, holidays help us to remember to hit the pause button to appreciate people and our lives.

Sadly instead of practicing this in some form on a daily basis, we often get far too caught up in all our “busy-ness”!  Fortunately, these designated days give us an opportunity to slow down, reflect a bit, and “gather” our friends and family to simply enjoy.

I especially love everything about Thanksgiving Day as I believe gratitude is a key ingredient to a happy, fulfilling life. It not only makes our lives richer it also can get us through the toughest of times.

Gratitude Check

Gratitude and giving thanks for good things in our lives is one of the most positive things we can do towards living a healthy, happy existence. A daily “gratitude check” if not hourly, even moment to moment is so important.

I am an adamant believer in the power of positive mindsets and how they can help to manifest goodness and success in our lives. What you give energy to and focus on expands. The more grateful you are for the good that already exist in your life, the more positive experiences you will draw into it.

If we wallow in thoughts of what’s not right and what’s missing, we tend attract more disappointment and unfulfilling scenarios. Even if you are currently experiencing real challenges in your life, try your best to appreciate what is going well, no matter how small or insignificant it seems.

For some people this comes naturally and others almost chronically perceive themselves as a victim of the negative. We must do our best to not buy into the victim mentality. We all have our struggles in life. We have to work with the circumstances we are dealt and take ownership for decisions we’ve made and responsibility making our lives meaningful.

Here are 9 IMPACTFUL ways to practice and build gratitude into your daily life:

  1. Make time. If you struggle with seeing the glass half full you can start by making a conscious effort to be grateful. First thing in the morning or before bed – preferably both, or any time that works for you, take a few minutes to think about what’s going well and working in your life.
  2. Speak gratitudeIf you appreciate, love, have a compliment for someone, etc.. express it and tell them! This will enhance their day and also reinforce the positive outlook in you. Happiness is contagious and this is a powerful way to spread it.
  3.  Live in the moment.  Be present in your life for what is good now. Don’t waste precious time and energy over worrying about the past and future or happenings that are not in your control. Taking stock simply in the fact that you are alive and have freedom of choice can be profound. Turning inside even for a few minutes and taking deep breaths can do wonders for being present in your life.
  4.  Write it down. Make a gratitude list. This can be general or a detailed list of what you are thankful for that day and overall in your life. Routinely adding to and reviewing you’re your list will highlight what’s going well and put the small stuff you don’t want to sweat, in perspective.
  5.  Practice forgiveness. Forgiveness is crucial for finding inner peace and serenity. Again, what you focus on expands and that includes negative thoughts and energy you may send out. Work to forgive, move on, and be thankful for the lessons and opportunities to grow. So often we can not understand the many hidden blessings that can come out of the toughest challenges until the passing of time leads to reflection and new perspective.
  6.  Slow down. When you find yourself rushing or hurrying around about your day – stop and smell those roses! The more you practice this it will become your new normal and will greatly increase your ability to de-bunk stress, find balance and give you a much deeper sense of appreciation for your life.
  7.  Giving back. Helping support others in need will almost immediately transport you into a state of gratitude. Giving teaches us to look beyond ourselves. Reaching out to people in perhaps less fortunate circumstances than our own can be incredibly humbling and an instant reality check of what is good in our own lives.
  8. Positive mindset. Give yourself the glass half full check. Are you able to take a negative and make it a positive? Start paying close attention to how you perceive life events and the world around you. Are you someone who is able to quickly put a positive spin on a not so great scenario? Awareness around your typical mindset is key. Remember we get to choose!
  9. Focus on successes! Giving thanks for and appreciating even the smallest wins and achievements in your life can make all the difference. Take some time to reflect on what you are proud of in yourself and your life. Think about even the smallest of accomplishments that have brought you happiness. You will most likely be surprised at how much there truly are and how quickly these can change your state of mind from focusing on what’s not working.

The more gratitude you cultivate, the more you will draw joyful feelings and emotions into your life experience and the harder it will be to disrupt your happiness. If you struggle with feeling grateful I urge you to refer to these tips on a regular basis and watch the gratitude magic unfold in your life!

We are all magnificently surrounded by blessings in multiple forms and there is always much to be thankful for!

I APPRECIATE you taking the time to read this! 

Lynn Burns

Lynn is an expert Health and Lifestyle Coach. She founded her nutrition and wellness company, LB Inspired LLC, in 2006. She is also the founder of Burns & Partners Celebrity and Professional Health Coach Agency. Burns & Partners LLC creates relationships and partnerships with Corporations, Medical Facilities and Individuals to connect them with their team of specialized Health Coaches. The Agency's mission is to bridge the global health crisis gap and believes that healthy, thriving companies and individuals change everything.

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