How to Make Practicing Gratitude a Habit

Having a grateful heart is transforming and should be a daily event not just relegated to one day a year for the purposes of corporate marketing campaigns or historic patriotism. Living in the United States most of us have a standard of living many higher than two-thirds of the rest of the planet. Instead of focusing on what you do not or can not have this holiday season, bring your awareness around to the many things you do and begin practicing gratitude.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• pen or pencil
• notebook or journal
• a little dedication

1. You can begin right now by listing three things for which you are grateful. It may be simple, such as, “I am grateful for the roof over my head.” Or they may be more unique or specific, such as, “I am grateful for the daily phones calls from my partner.” Or “I am grateful that my child wasn’t hurt in the car accident.”

2. There is a simple saying “Begin each day with a grateful heart.” A wonderful way to exercise this is to start a daily gratitude journal. Begin by purchasing a beautiful journal; one that speaks to you and compels you to write in it. Then begin by writing down five things each day for which you are grateful. You can do this upon waking or right before going to bed if you prefer. You may even find you like doing it twice a day!

3. In the beginning it may feel silly or even seem a little demanding. Some days will be easy, others more challenging. Stick with it. If you continue to do this, in no time, you will find it hard to stop at five. And you needn’t. The more you do this the more you will begin to be grateful for an abundance of things, large and small, throughout your day and your life. You may find that the universe has been holding back until you learned to appreciate what you had already.

4. Being grateful for simple and everyday things is grounding and offers contentment. It can assist you in being more present in your life. If you continue with the daily gratitude journal I promise that you will transform your life, your perceptions.

5. “Whatever you are waiting for--peace of mind, contentment, grace, the inner awareness of Simple Abundance--it will surely come, but only when you are ready to receive it with an open and grateful heart.” ~ Sarah Ban Breathnach

[alystarcrane]

on 3/20/2009 Sarah Ban Breathnach is one of my all time favorite authors. She has inspired me to do incredible things�being grateful is one of them. Thanks for sharing the gratitude journal practice here in your article �How to Make Practicing Gratitude a Habit.�

[vikki9]

on 8/25/2008 Gratitude is huge. Thank you for this article. 5*

[SuzDoyleMusic]

on 8/1/2008 Bravo! Wonderful article! Thanks!

[ACGaughen]

on 8/1/2008 Great article!