If there’s one practice that has the power to change your life, it’s the practice of gratitude. When we take the time to focus on all the good in our lives, from the people we love to our most treasured possessions, we become happier more positive people. And when you’re living and acting in positivity and happiness, you have the ability to impact the people around you to do the same. Positivity breeds positivity.
Being grateful, especially in the tough moments, isn’t something that comes easily to us, but if you learn to make gratitude your baseline you can have an impact that spans wider and longer than you could have ever imagined.
The Science of Gratitude
We know that being grateful intrinsically feels good, but on a deeper level, practicing gratitude has the very real ability to change your physical health for the better. Think about the last time you experienced positive feelings of happiness. Whether you took a deep breath of fresh air on a beautiful spring afternoon or had a cuddle with your pet after a long day, chances are these little moments of happiness not only made you feel more optimistic, but more energetic and productive as well. When you’re feeling grateful, positive, and happy, your brain and body are more efficient. Your physical well being feels because your mental well being feels good.
Practicing Gratitude Always
Even in our darkest moments, it is always possible to find some good. In fact, it’s in these moments when it’s most important to be grateful. On days like this, it’s normal for our subconscious thoughts to prevent us from looking, finding, or seeing the good. Negativity breeds negativity and these emotions can easily swallow a person. But we have to overcome those moments and with effort, we can. Practicing gratitude can help us uproot the path of negativity to become positive and happy again.
If you find yourself trapped in a negative mindset, try to bring your conscious thoughts to the moment. Notice what negative statements you’re saying to yourself and work to change them. Instead of saying “I can’t do this alone”, change your statement to “I need help accomplishing this.” This simple act transitions you from a negative space to a hopeful one. A space where positivity and solutions are possible.
A Daily Gratitude Practice
As soon as you wake up tomorrow morning, even before you get out of bed, place your hands on your heart, put a smile on your face, and think about all the things in your life that you’re grateful for. Spend a few moments in thought, allowing the feelings to wash over you, then get up and start your day. This simple practice sets the intention of your day to be one of positivity and happiness. When you do this every morning, it becomes easier and easier to become and stay positive.
Do you have a gratitude practice? What ways do you keep gratefulness at the top of your heart and mind?
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