"I don't have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness - it's right in front of me if I'm paying attention and practicing gratitude." Brene Brown
GRATITUDE HAS BEEN SHOWN TO:
Make you happier
Have health benefits
Help you sleep better
Make you more resilient
Improve relationships
Promote forgiveness
Reduce anxiety and depression
Even make you a nicer person!
So why does it feel like sometimes it takes effort? Because it just does. But I promise you it's worth it.
Check out this page for some fun ideas to make practicing gratitude part of your life.
TRY THESE FUN GRATITUDE EXERCISES
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS - JOURNAL
It's the obvious one, but it works - tried and true. Regularly writing brief reflections on moments which we are thankful for can increase well being and satisfaction.
GRATITUDE TURN AROUND
Next time something disappointing shows up in your life that apparently sucks, try the gratitude turn around. My friends Matt and Delphine, some of the happiest people I know have a particular knack at doing this.
DIRECT SHOT OF GRATITUDE
Try this - write an email to someone who you have always been grateful for, but never truly thanked for it. If you really, really want to get a boost, WRITE the letter and HAND DELIVER IT!
GET A GRATITUDE BUDDY
"Expressing gratitude is a natural state of being and reminds us that we are all connected." Valerie Elster
Make a pact with a friend to call or text them something you are grateful for every day. Report in at lunch, first thing in the morning or just before you go to sleep.
CREATIVE GRATITUDE
Get creative. Draw/photograph/sketch/paint things you feel grateful for. I play a game that I call unexpected gratitude where I photograph things that nature has made to look like other things - like a heart shape on a watermelon or a smiley face in a sea shell. I believe it is God winking at me.
GRATITUDE JAR
Put a jar on the counter - if you can find one that is clear, even better. Then, every day write something you are grateful for and put it in the jar. If you are feeling crabby, go ahead and take a couple out and read them. Like a fortune cookie.
