Part of having a positive mindset is to embrace and express gratitude. We live in a world where we are constantly bombarded by what’s gone wrong. Fires. Mass shootings. Anti-semitism. Terror attacks. Floods. Financial stress. Marital stress. Kid stress. There will always be something that isn’t what we’d like it to be. Things that can trigger anxiety or sadness. These challenge bring negativity into our lives which cannot always be dismissed. But we must be mindful not to let those moments cast a long shadow over the entirety of our lives.
Gratitude improves your mental, physical and social well-being by shifting focus from “lacking” to abundance. Gratitude magnifies our experience of what is good, deepens our connections to others which fosters stronger relationships, steels our resolve, and uplifts our spirit to rise above the storms that come into our lives.
What you focus on expands, for better or for worse. Focus on what’s missing or outside of your control and you’ll live as a hostage to self-pity and powerlessness. Focus on the dangers of this world and you’ll live as a hostage to worry and fear. Focus on what’s unfair and how you’ve been wronged and you’ll live as a hostage to resentment and revenge.
Instead…Focus on all the good things in your life, the people you love, what you can control, what inspires you and what you can do to improve your life. Doing this taps into a sense of power, gratitude, passion, and fortitude that might otherwise be dormant. Resist the temptation to compare, complain or blame. The gift of giving thanks magnifies our blessing and expands our ability to be a blessing to others.
How do we practice gratitude, especially if we still have challenges in our lives? Perhaps, start with journaling. Take a moment each week and write down the things you’re thankful for. Remind yourself of all the small, beautiful things that make your life better. You have a home, a car, a job. You have family or friends that support you. You still have your hair, your skin is clear, you aren’t sick. There are a thousand small things we take for granted everyday that we can be thankful for.
Savor moments. Pay attention to the small, pleasant sensory details in your daily life. Eat slower so you can enjoy the delicious flavors. Enjoy the softness of your child’s hair or the silkiness of your bed sheets. Enjoy your favorite song. Taste, touch and sound. Stop and appreciate them.
Express thanks verbally or in writing. Show appreciation to others. You’ll may find in doing so, those individuals will reciprocate the gratitude and uplift you with their own expressions of gratitude.
Reframe experiences that may be challenging as opportunities or gifts to learn and grow as a person. What did that traffic jam this morning teach me? Patience? Did it keep me from being at the wrong place at the wrong time and avoid an accident? There are blessings in everything that happens.
Gratitude is an affirmation of goodness which strengthens both your body and your mind. I’m grateful that I can share my thoughts with all of you. So, take a moment…breathe… and think about your own blessings. Have a joyful day.