Daily Gratitude

‘I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness – it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude.  – Brene Brown

I have a daily gratitude practice.  Each morning as part of my journaling, I write down at least 3 things that I’m grateful are in my life right now.  When things aren’t going as I expect, this is a powerful practice that helps me to remember the many good things that are in my life.

What about you?  How often do you express gratitude for the many things, people, and opportunities that you have in your life?

We always hear about gratitude at Thanksgiving.  Some people will spend the month of November posting on social media one thing each day for which they are grateful.  Some people will share oat the Thanksgiving table the things for which the are grateful.  Both of these are fine ways to remember to be grateful for the many blessings that we have.

But…what if you practiced gratitude year round?  You don’t have to stop being grateful as soon as you push away from your Thanksgiving meal.  On Black Friday, you might express gratitude for the great deals that you found or maybe you’re grateful to avoid the stores altogether & go outside to be in nature instead.  Whatever you notice, be grateful the next day as well.  How long can you keep this gratitude going in your life?

When you are practicing being grateful, have you ever noticed your body?  When I express gratitude, my own body is relaxed and happy.  The tension will ease as I notice the good things that are happening to and for me.  It’s hard to be tense or upset when you are grateful.

So, when you express gratitude, notice your own body as well?  How do you feel in the moment?  Do you find more ease?  Or does your body react in a different way?

Now, if expressing gratitude is not already a habit for you, then why not?  What stops you from bringing this practice into your daily routine?  It doesn’t take a lot of time to write down 3 things for which you are grateful.  Schedule it into your routine if you need to.  Give yourself the gift of being grateful for the things already going well in your life.  Notice how your body reacts & then do it again the next day.  It’s really that simple.  Join me in this very healing practice.