Research shows that cultivating a positive, grateful attitude is huge for your mental and physical health.
Being grateful helps us see our lives – our family and friends, and our possessions in a way that cultivates enjoyment. If I am always grateful for the comfortable chairs in my home, this reduces longing for things I may not really want or need to spend money on. When I am grateful for aspects of my husband’s character and the ways he loves me, I treat him with kindness and affection. This is an upward spiral. When I am grateful for my children, I find ways to encourage them.
Do this everyday, in the morning or evening. Or during the day if you need help refocusing. Keep a journal where you can write five things that you are grateful for in the last 24 hours, or the upcoming 24 hours. Sometimes it may be more difficult to find things to be grateful for, but as you look, you will find them. Your home, the food in the fridge, a favorite pair of shoes, or a kind neighborhood. There is always someone or something to be grateful for. If you are grateful for a person. Tell them.
Feel free to write more than five, if you think of more. Cultivate joy and appreciation as you go through your day.
Enjoy forming this sweet new habit!