“The real gift of gratitude is that the more grateful you are, the more present you become.” -- Robert Holdin
Gratitude is magical, and it has power that surpasses the reaches of the human mind. It has the power to turn a pretty crappy day into a not so bad one. It has the power to lift someone's spirits and put a smile on their face.
“Gratitude is a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it grows, and the more power you have to use on your behalf...to be grateful is to find blessings in everything. This is the most powerful attitude to adopt, for there are blessings in everything.” -- Alan Cohen
Everyone is taught how to say “please” and “thank you” at a young age. It sounds pretty basic, but people seem to forget the most basic things as they age. They become so wrapped up in themselves that they forget that other people have thoughts and feelings. A person who feels appreciated will always do more than expected. Remember that.
The Definitions of Gratitude
Gratitude is a choice.
Gratitude is a practice.
Gratitude is an attitude.
Gratitude is so much more than a simple thank you. Gratitude is finding the simple joys to focus on in life, even when it seems like everything else is going wrong.
The Benefits of Gratitude
You could live up to seven years longer.
You will have more satisfying relationships with others.
You will have improve your overall health: fewer stress-related illnesses, lower blood pressure, stronger immune system, lower depression and aggression rates, improved self-esteem.
Your income could increase up to 7 percent.
The Expressions of Gratitude
Say thank you or write a thank you note
Meditate
Verbalize your appreciation
“Today, I am thankful for…”
“My favorite part of today was…”
“I feel joy when…”
“I am grateful for…”
Make gratefulness a priority every morning
Start a gratitude journal
Choose your journaling method: bound journal, bullet journal, notebook, phone app or memo, voice recorder or computer document
Make it routine
Write it detail: write about one thing that has impacted you
Acknowledge the negative parts of the your life too: use balanced thinking, and don’t force gratitude
Uncover gratitude from the unexpected moments: challenge yourself to find gracious qualities in life’s most difficult moments
Think of what material things allow you to be who you are and do what you love, instead of just having “stuff” for the sake of having it
Practice random acts of kindness
Leave your change in the vending machine
Pay for someone else’s meal, movie ticket, coffee, etc.
Write letters to the sick, elderly or armed forces
Donate your hair after a haircut
Ride your bike or walk to work or school, if you can
Make something for someone
Recommend a movie or book to a friend
Reconnect with old friends
Be kind to yourself
If you want to be happy, be grateful.
