If you want to live happier than you should express more gratitude. It’s no secret.
But how does one implement more gratitude into their life? It is easy to say be more grateful but what things can you do on a daily basis to bring about this transformation into your own life?
1. Keep a gratitude journal
Journaling is a great way to infuse your life with more gratitude. Try spending some time every day, few days, or week reflecting back on all the things you have to be grateful for in a given time period.
There are differing opinions on which time period is most effective. Daily gratitude journaling has been shown to be less effective for some people because there is the tendency to view the journaling as merely another task to be accomplished during the day. This is why journaling every few days or once per week could be more appropriate.
Create a consistent journaling practice for you. Take some time to really think about all the wonderful things you have in your life that bring you lots of gratitude. Jot them down and appreciate all the good there is.
2. Write gratitude letters
Writing letters to people whom you are especially grateful for is a very powerful practice. Write the words down on paper. The receiver will appreciate it more than an email or typed message because you took the time to write your thoughts on paper. Our society is so technology-based and the days of hand-written notes and letters are expiring.
Mail your letter or deliver it in person. If you really want to express your gratitude than read the letter aloud to the person you are grateful for. Not only will the receiver be touched, but you also will experience high levels of joy and well-being.
I would also suggest writing a gratitude letter to yourself. Perhaps it sounds a little crazy, but I find it to be a beneficial practice. There is a tendency for people to focus on their flaws and not enough on their desirable qualities. Writing a gratitude letter to yourself is a great way to concentrate on all the wonderful characteristics that you have.
3. Gratitude meditations
Meditation is a powerful tool for quieting the mind. Taking the time to meditate allows you to observe the thoughts in your mind, and fully comprehend what is going on up there. People meditate for love, compassion, happiness, and kindness. Why not meditate for gratitude?
Spend some time focusing on what you have to be grateful for the next time you meditate. On the inhale say to yourself “I’m” and on the exhale say to yourself “grateful.” Focus on your family, friends, partner, or whatever you are grateful for during the meditation.
4. Express gratitude as much as you can
If you want to implement more gratitude take advantage of opportunities to express more gratitude. When someone does something nice for you say thank you no matter how big or small the deed is and no matter who does the deed. Saying thank you and expressing gratitude in general provides psychological benefits for both giver and receiver.
5. Savor the good that happens to you
Take time to truly relish the good things that happen to you. Don’t merely forgo these occurrences as just another moment. Be methodical in enjoying the positive people and events in your life. It will boost your gratitude level by showcasing all the good and prevent you from relinquishing a lot of attention to the bad.
6. Don’t take gratitude for granted
Remind yourself throughout your day of all the things you have to be grateful for. Being able to breathe is something to be grateful for. Having the ability to walk and talk and see and smell and hear and touch are all things to be grateful for. Even when you are facing adverse times and your life seems to be in shambles remember that there are always ways for you to show gratitude. It might not seem possible in the moment but look hard enough and you will can always find something to be grateful for.
Don’t merely regard happy events in your life as moments that should occur. Consider all the good that comes to you as a gift, as something you have been fortunate enough to receive. This is how you ensure that you don’t take gratitude for granted. You will always appreciate the moments in your life because you know you are lucky to have them.
Featured photo credit: Pinterest via bing.com
