Today, I want to talk to you about gratitude. I’ve been making a point of practicing gratitude for a few months now, and I can tell you that I have nothing but good things to say about it.
First, let’s explore what gratitude is. Gratitude is that sense of appreciation and that feeling of joy and affection we experience when we do a favor, accomplish something, or receive something.
From what I’ve understood and, above all, felt, gratitude is a state of being in which the physical, emotional, and mental aspects are all engaged.
Physically, you feel a rush of warmth around your heart and a urge to smile and laugh rising in your throat. Emotionally, you experience joy and happiness; you’re in a state of calm. Mentally, it’s a state of stillness! You’re in a neutral place; there’s no ego and no inner voice.
It’s so wonderful that everyone should pack their bags and go out to experience it. I know that’s easier said than done. First, many people don’t even know it exists, and second, even when you do know about it, it’s hard to say “thank you” and feel truly grateful when things aren’t going well.
There are several tips I can share with you to help you practice gratitude. I say “practice” because, to me, gratitude is like a muscle that needs to be exercised. The more you exercise it, the better you’ll learn how to activate it and use it when you need it.
1. Be happy with what you have
It’s so easy to compare yourself to others.Comparison takes you completely off the path of gratitude, because instead of seeing the abundance of what you have, you see the lack of what you don’t have. I saw someone with a $600,000 house who was complaining and wanted the biggest house for $1,000,000! When she gets it, what will she want next?
Don’t forget, too, that you’re lucky to be alive and breathing when others don’t even have another hour to tell the people they love that they love them. GRATITUDE!
2. Address the real need
Just as a plant needs water, you have basic needs. The need for security, recognition, love, and so on. For example, you can satisfy your need for security by munching on tons of chips, or you can satisfy it by getting a job.
By taking the time to tune in to what you’re experiencing in the present moment, you’ll become aware of your needs and be able to meet them. When you do, you’ll feel a sense of gratitude.
3. It’s up to you
Be mindful of this gratitude when you make a choice. Life is about making choices, and the more aware you are of this, the more time you’ll take to make those choices.
The next time you have a cup of coffee or tea, take a deep breath, touch the warm cup, savor the taste, and feel the pleasure it brings you. Just as that pleasure begins to wash over you, say THANK YOU! Remember, gratitude is a muscle that needs to be exercised.
4. Say thank you
Every evening, every morning, and whenever you think of it, say THANK YOU. Thank you for being alive, for being healthy, for working, for breathing, and for being able to clean—because that means you have a home!
It’s simple: things could be worse. So be grateful for what you have.
Just a reminder that you can download my e-book. Feel free to email me or leave a comment below.