Practicing Gratitude
November 21, 2021
I remember back to elementary school when my teachers asked me what I was thankful for during the days leading up to Thanksgiving. My answer then was most likely a version of what it would be today – that I am thankful for my family and my family’s health. Fast forward a few decades, and I regularly ask myself a slightly different version of this question – what am I most grateful for today?
Research tells us that acknowledging the things we are grateful for – also known as practicing gratitude – helps us live emotionally and physically healthier lives. The benefits include developing a "glass half-full" mindset instead of one that's half-empty. This way of thinking can help build confidence and increase one’s capacity for managing everyday stressors. It’s also credited with helping people sleep better, develop stronger relationships, and be more empathetic toward others.
Practicing gratitude is an emotional investment in yourself. It's an exercise that doesn't cost more than the time you take to pause, reflect, and acknowledge what it is you are grateful for at this time. There's no set way to practice, yet many do this by journaling, walking in nature, and meditating.
A gratitude practice can yield outcomes that some people refer to as “silver linings.” These can be, for example, mindset shifts that lead to a more positive perspective about life, opportunities born out of obstacles, and seeing value in places and people you never previously noticed.
Your gratitude practice is yours, and the things you may be grateful for are limitless. It could be as simple as acknowledging your appreciation for your morning coffee or a stranger holding the door open for you. It could be the "good morning" greeting from a colleague or attending a meeting that starts on time.
Your practice may include more complex thoughts, as well. You may experience gratitude when realizing that your work ethic and determination to be financially secure are driven by growing up poor. Maybe you feel satisfied by raising money for a cause that's near and dear to your heart.
If you don't already have a gratitude practice and want to incorporate one into your life, you don't need to do anything but start. And repeat it daily. If you need some prompts, here are ten that you can use to get started. Good luck and enjoy!
Whether you are thinking about what you are thankful for during this Thanksgiving season or beginning a practice of gratitude, give yourself time to pause and slow down. Allow yourself time to adjust to this new daily routine and get ready to reap the physical and emotional benefits of practicing gratitude.
Download your own Practicing Gratitude List HERE!
