The practice of gratitude as a growth tool for happiness has been in the mainstream for years. Long-term studies have even attributed the practice of ongoing gratitude to greater success in business, better health, and increased sports performance.
“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” ~William Arthur Ward
However, sometimes it is difficult to sustain an attitude of gratitude. In order for gratitude to meet its full potential in our lives, it HAS to be more than just a concept that we use during the holidays.
You see, practicing gratitude is not about “rose-colored glasses” or ignoring the bad things in life. Life happens and sometimes it is fantastic and sometimes it is downright crappy. I'm not asking you to ignore the realities that come to you.
When you practice gratitude — focusing on what you have vs what you don't — you give yourself the opportunity to see life as a blessing. In fact, your whole outlook on a day can significantly change!
If you have not put a gratitude habit into your daily practice, maybe now is the time to start!
“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” ~William Arthur Ward
What are you grateful for? As you think through the items, people, events, etc. in your life you might consider
- colorful spring flowers
- the ability to read
- friends who will listen and understand where you are coming from
- chocolate
- things that make you laugh
- warm jackets
- butterflies on a summer day
- our health
What's on your list?
5 Ways to Practice Gratitude
1 – Keep a gratitude journal where you list things from your day for which you are thankful. You choose how frequently to write in the journal. It could be daily, weekly, monthly, or any other combination you want. When you are first getting started it may be a good idea to write more frequently so that you can create your new habit.
2 – Make a gratitude board by drawing or gluing pictures into a collage.
3 – Challenge yourself to find the hidden blessings in challenging situations that you face.
4 – Develop a family dinner time routine of expressing gratitude together before you eat.
5 – Read real-life stories of how others express their gratitude. I was able to participate in a great collaborative project called Celebrating 365 Days of Gratitude. I contributed a story about my son and how he helped me through a very difficult time in my life.
When I began a daily gratitude practice I started perceiving the world very differently than I had before. As you practice, an inner shift begins to occur, and you may be delighted to see how other things in your life and business shift too.
Related Resources
Read other posts on gratitude.
What You Focus on Grows in Your Life
What are you grateful for today?
What are you excited about because you know it will make the world a better place?
What lights your deep internal flame and fills you with love?
Until we talk again,
Live Fully — Love Openly — Laugh Often — Leverage Your Brilliance — Connect Authentically — Get Your Message Out — Serve with Impact — Prosper Everyday
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Dave Guerra says
Thank you for sharing and reminding us that gratitude must be shared and kept year round and it not just “a concept that we use during the holidays.”
Stephanie LH Calahan says
Absolutely Dave. Practicing gratitude on a regular basis is one of my keys to a happy life.
Debra Jason says
I write in a journal daily and some days I find I write what I’m grateful for consistently. Other days, it may not come up, but then I think about it as I’m resting in bed before waking fully or going to sleep at night.
It’s something I’ve been much more cognizant of in the last couple of years. Being grateful every day, even for the little things – like the birds chirping outside my window.
Thanks.
🙂
D
Stephanie LH Calahan says
Thank you so much for sharing your journey Debra! I find joy in hearing the birds outside too.
Danette Moss says
Stephanie,
Thanks for sharing “5” Tips to Tap Into Your Attitude of Gratitude. I’m going to start with #4 on your list with my family. I’m expecting a positive shift.
I’ll keep you posted,
Danette
Stephanie LH Calahan says
Thanks for dropping by Danette. I’m excited to hear you’re going to try one of the ideas I shared today. I look forward to hearing how it goes.
Ellen Delap says
Love connecting with those who are all about gratitude! I practice this not only in my daily actions with those around me, but for a few minutes daily I am grateful for the little and big things, like a fabulous spring day, my clients and my family. For some it is more natural than others, but it is definitely a practice that makes for positivity!
Stephanie LH Calahan says
Hi Ellen. Thanks for sharing what you do. I love that there are a number of different ways that work for people.
When I first started actively practicing gratitude, it was not that easy for me. Now, like many things you practice, it is a part of who I am.
Lisa Montanaro says
Love this blog post! It is actually the losses of dear loved ones I have suffered over the years that has made me even more grateful for life and all of the wondrous people, experiences and creatures in it. Since losing my beloved mother, for example, I am even more grateful for life and take time everyday to notice the beauty, love and small (and large) miracles around me. It feels like a gift! Much more aware now how precious it all really is. Thanks Stephanie!
Stephanie LH Calahan says
It’s so good to see you here Lisa! Thank you for sharing your story. I cannot imagine how it is to lose a parent, but love how you have turned that pain into finding light in the world.
In 2007 we almost lost my husband to a severe heart attack and in 2009 we almost lost me! Near death experiences make you look at the world in a new light too.
I hope, with posts like this one, that we can help people see light, love, joy and gratitude in every day things.
You do a wonderful job of sharing gratitude in your Facebook posts that lift me up. Thank you.
Lisa Montanaro says
Thank you Stephanie. I’m so glad that the 2007 and 2009 scares for both you and your husband are in the past. I’ve always been a very positive, grateful person… And I worried that losing some people very close to me, including my mother and some dear friends might change that. I’m happy that my mother’s gift of loving life and seeing the joy in every precious moment has lived on. She taught me well and I honor her every day by remaining grateful. I love your posts on Facebook also. Apparently, it’s a lovefest. 🙂