Gratitude - not just for Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving, “the gratitude holiday” is over. And yet, our focus on gratitude should last longer then our turkey (or tofurky – shout out fellow vegetarians!) leftovers.  Gratitude should be a part of our daily lives. But what exactly is gratitude and how can it be incorporated it into an already full day?

 According to Merriam – Webster’s dictionary, gratitude is “the state of being grateful; Thankfulness.” Being grateful means “appreciative of benefits received, affording pleasure or contentment.”  To me, it’s about seeing the good whether that’s reframing a negative situation or just pointing out the good.

 You’ve likely heard there is a lot of research supporting the benefits of practicing regular gratitude. Practicing gratitude is an attitude changer.

As we move into a new year, a new decade (!) a regular gratitude practice is a simple thing to incorporate into your day. It doesn’t have to take extra time and can be stacked onto something else you are already doing.

 1)    Before you get out of bed, tell yourself, “I am grateful for this day because...”

2)    Choose a time (morning or evening) to write down at least three things you are grateful for and why. Don’t forget the why!

3)    Turn your frustrations into gratitude. Instead of getting angry at traffic say, “I’m grateful to have a reliable car. I’m grateful to have a job to go to. “I’m grateful I’m not the one causing the traffic. I’m grateful I planned for traffic and left early.”

4)    Pick a time or action during your day where you can pause for a moment of gratitude. It could be before your morning coffee, when you get into your car, first thing at work, or set a reminder on your phone. Whatever you choose, stop, pause and have gratitude. For all of my yogis out there, getting on your mat is a great time to be grateful.

5)    Before you go to sleep, tell yourself, “I am grateful for this day because….”

 It doesn’t matter if the things you are grateful for are big or small. There is nothing too small to be grateful for. The more important piece to remember is the “why.” Why are you grateful?

 In fact, why wait to have your next moment of gratitude? Take a moment right now. Be grateful for your day. Be grateful for this moment. Be grateful for the opportunity to use the computer you are reading this on. Be grateful that you can read.

 I am grateful for you, dear readers, for the opportunity to share my thoughts into the world. Because, I am helping you grow and do good in the world.  That’s my why.

 How do you practice gratitude? Feel free to share in the comments.