I’ve been practicing gratitude regularly since I was in my late teens. I have a gratitude journal that I write in weekly, and this practice has aided me in finding peace of mind. Practicing gratitude can shift your mindset when you’re in a dark place. Even with the storm I’m currently enduring, I’m reminded that there is always something to be grateful for.
Life may not be as joyful as I hoped it would be by now, but I have breath in my body. I’m still here – even on the days when I feel like I no longer want to be, and that is something to be thankful for. There is so much power in staying in gratitude regardless of what’s going on around you. Finding reasons to be thankful is a practice I’ve introduced many people to. It’s easy to focus on what we lack, or wish we had more of. It’s easy to focus on the negative aspects of life, or what we want to change. We become consumed by wanting more or wishing things were different and we forget all that we already have. Thankfulness can improve our lives by reminding us to appreciate the good things.
Implementing gratitude into our lives can have a positive impact on our mental health.
Benefits of Gratitude
1. Improves Your Mood
Showing gratitude has been proven to reduce stress, depression, and anxiety. Instead of focusing on the negative, we give our attention to the positive aspects of our life which can enhance positive emotions.
2. Contributes to Happiness
Practicing gratitude has been shown to increase feelings of joy because we have a stronger sense of appreciation for all the good things in our lives. This allows us to have a more positive outlook on life.
3. Greater Resilience
Practicing gratitude can help us continue persevering when we face adversity. Finding things to be grateful for can help us learn how to cope with life stressors or heavy emotions.
Tips for Practicing Gratitude
1. Keep a Gratitude Journal
As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, I’ve been writing down what I’m grateful for since I was younger. In my gratitude journal, I start each line with “I am grateful for…” and list everything I’m thankful for that day. I try to do this during my morning routine as it sets the tone for my day.
2. Express Your Appreciation to Others
My primary love language is words of affirmation. I’m someone who needs others to shower me with love and appreciation. Because of this, I often tell those in my life how I feel about them or express how grateful I am for them. This is a great way to cultivate gratitude and will bring joy to you and those you care about.
3. Redirect Your Thoughts
Many of us tend to focus on the negative situations transpiring in our lives, without realizing the beauty surrounding us. Instead of allowing ourselves to be overwhelmed by the chaos, we need to learn to pause, take a step back, and shift our focus to the positive. This isn’t to say that we shouldn’t allow ourselves to feel whatever comes up, but it’s more about not staying stuck in that headspace.
Seeing the Positive
Although I’ve been in the midst of chaos these past few months, I’m optimistic about my future. I look around me and realize that I’m creating the life I desire. I look around me and realize that while not perfect, life is beautiful and there is always something to be grateful for.
In my sadness, I still see the joy. In my stagnation, I still feel liberated. In my brokenness, I’m still whole. In my season of feeling like everything has fallen apart, I still acknowledge that life is coming together.
I’m eternally grateful for this life.
ItsJaiMarie 