A Bit Of Gratitude Can Transform Lives

By MightySmall

happiness, success

Becoming Grateful Challenge.  Day 1 of 7.

To be grateful can simply be expressed as appreciating the good things in your life.  It doesn’t always seem simple, though.  When things are hectic or stressful, finding the silver lining can be challenging.  However, learning how to embrace gratitude can significantly boost your happiness.  Being grateful offers many other benefits you’re probably not aware of, too.  Let’s take a closer look at the concept, ways it can improve your life, and how to practice it.


Defining Gratitude


There are many definitions of gratitude.  Some people believe it’s a feeling or emotion.  Others look at it as more of a mood.  And other folks believe gratitude is a personality trait a person exhibits.  These can all be correct. 

In essence, gratitude elicits satisfaction and appreciation in a person through feelings, actions, or even inherent qualities.  However, even those of us who may be more inclined to feel grateful on a regular basis through our glass-half-full-optimism likely need to work on nurturing such an outlook.  To be grateful can be viewed as a practice or something you perform regularly. 

Most people practice something because it benefits them.  This is true of gratitude.  As with other practices, you’ll get better at demonstrating gratitude the more you work at it.


Benefits of Embracing Gratitude


There are many benefits of gratitude; many of them have been scientifically proven.  Once you understand these, chances are good that you’ll see why it’s so important to develop a grateful mindset.  Gratitude can have a positive effect on both physical and mental health.  Research has shown it to improve relaxation, sleep quality, and energy levels.

Being thankful for your blessings can enhance your emotional wellness.  You’ll deal better in crisis situations and find you’re more resilient when you’re able to look on the bright side. 

This can contribute to better relationships, too.  Appreciating the positives in life can simply make you feel happier.


Ways to Practice Gratitude


Recognizing your blessings may not come easily at first, but there are some ways to help make it a habit and a regular part of your routine.  One of the most convenient and impactful methods for cultivating appreciation is by keeping a gratitude journal.  In this exercise, you’ll write down three things each day that you’re grateful for, which makes it easier to notice and recognize those good things.

Meditation has also been shown to help.  Also, making an effort to thank someone each day, for even the smallest thing, opens your eyes and heart to abundance. Giving back and doing good for others can also provide tremendous perspective.


Now you have a better idea of just what making a concerted effort to count your blessings can do for your life.  Embracing and expressing gratitude are more important than many of us realize.

MightySmall

About the author

I’m Connie Fielding. I’m a minimalist and full-time, on-line entrepreneur with multiple streams of income. My experiences are helping others to find financial success without a J.O.B. Tiny homes, travel, and new ideas fascinate me.

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