3 Ways To Practice Gratitude

Gratitude takes root in our heart and our senses.

Practicing gratitude can keep our hearts open to the tenderness in our daily experiences. Choose to focus your time and attention on what you appreciate. Appreciation softens us and soothes our minds by connecting us with the ordinary things that we may otherwise take for granted.  

Whether it’s choosing to write a few sentences in a journal, or simply taking a moment to silently acknowledge all that you have, giving thanks can transform your life.  Research shows that gratitude is one of the keys to happiness, well-being and life satisfaction.  Read on for 3 ways to practice gratitude.

1. Say “thank you”.  

Say “thank you” and mean it.  Saying thank you can be a gift, and one that feels good, too.  Offering appreciation to one another is powerful.  Be grateful for the kind words people say about you and believe them. 

The next time you receive a compliment, say “thank you” and own it.  It will transform how you feel about yourself and others. It will give you the confidence to step into new opportunities.

2. Reflect on what/who you appreciate.

When you’re feeling low take the time to write down the things you appreciate most.  Your child’s laughter, music lyrics, the sun on your face, the person who held the door, the compliment from a stranger...

Gratitude journaling works because it slowly changes the way we perceive situations by adjusting what we focus on.  To enhance your gratitude, dive into your heart by getting really specific with the moments you document.  Stretch yourself beyond the great stuff right in front of you. Open your senses to more of the world and notice new things each day.

Journaling not for you?

Get creative, make it the dinner topic, use a jar, use an app, or social media to hold yourself accountable.  “A moment that I really appreciated today was…”

3. Take the time to FEEL.  

When you express gratitude, how does your body feel? What emotions and thoughts accompany these feelings?

Sometimes we may not feel thankful due to negative thoughts clouding our minds.  But, you can begin producing feelings of gratitude by acting grateful. Action trumps thought.  You don’t have to feel it or believe it initially, just do it.

When you focus more on what you appreciate, the universe opens to reveal that there is always something to be grateful for in every situation.

If you want something bad enough, you’ll do whatever it takes to get it.

For more inspiration and to check out my 14 Days of Gratitude challenge, join me on Facebook. Just click the picture above and answer the questions to join.