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Step 1
Start keeping a gratitude journal. Every day write one thing (or five!) that you are grateful for. The best part of your day? Write it down. A stranger's compliment? Write it in the journal so you don't forget. Reading these passages later can turn a bad day into a better one.
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Step 2
Remember to be mindful of all that you have. Do you have healthy children? There are many out there who would give anything to have a healthy pregnancy and child. Do you have a home? So many are struggling with mortgage payments that having a home is reason enough to be grateful. Counting our blessings can be a wonderful reminder of how fortunate we truly are. And often, they are the things that we most take for granted.
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Step 3
Take the time to smell the roses. It may be a cliche, but it is vital to living a quality life. Remember to notice the beauty around you, whether it be the trees outside your door or the way a single candle lights up your favorite part of a room. There is beauty around you every day, you only have to notice it.
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Step 4
Say "Thank You" more often. Whether it be to the person who packs your groceries or the co-worker who helps you finish a project--let them know that they are truly appreciated.
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Step 5
Share what you have. The more you give, the more you want to give, and the more gratitude you inspire around you. Giving extra food to those in need, teaching a friend your favorite craft, or giving free piano lessons to local schoolkids can be a rewarding way of saying "thank you!" to the universe.
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Step 6
If you are a prayerful person, remember to say prayers of thanksgiving. So many of our prayers are petition prayers that we forget to thank God for all that He has given us. Whether it be for our health, our job, a talent, or a new child, holding a constant prayer of gratitude in your heart is healing.
Comments
kkemp said
on 12/31/2008 Excellent article!