Gratitude has allowed me to celebrate the good and embrace the positive aspects of life when life has been well, but how does one approach and view life when it doesn't go to plan?
In today's world, it is very important to gain perspective no matter how difficult at times that may be. At the end of the day, we are human, we make mistakes, we have moments of success, we are happy, sad, passionate, emotional, frustrated, exhausted, anxious and enthusiastic.
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Don't get me wrong, it's hard sometimes to find what we are grateful for especially when we are going through hard times. But those negative or difficult experiences can help redefine our attitude, perspective, and thought if we allow it to and understand what not to take for granted.
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Here are some tips and strategies on how to practice and find gratitude everyday:
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1. Start a Gratitude Journal
One of the most effective ways to cultivate gratitude is by keeping a gratitude journal. Every day, write down three things you’re grateful for. They don’t have to be big things; even small joys count.
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2. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness involves being fully present in the moment. When you’re mindful, you’re more likely to notice and appreciate the good things in your life.
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3. Expressing Gratitude to Others
Don’t keep your gratitude to yourself. Share it with others. Whether it’s a quick text to a friend or a heartfelt letter to a loved one, expressing your gratitude can boost both your happiness and theirs.
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4. Find Gratitude in Challenges
Even difficult times can offer lessons to be grateful for. Try to find the silver lining in tough situations.
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5. Surround Yourself with Positivity
Try to spend time with positive, grateful people. Their attitudes can influence your own.
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6. Practice Gratitude Meditation and Affirmations
There are many guided meditations and affirmations available online that focus on gratitude. These can help you cultivate a deeper sense of appreciation for life.
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7. Make It a Habit!
Like any other skill, gratitude requires practice. Make it a part of your daily routine, and over time, you’ll find it becomes easier.
Remember, everyone has bad days and that’s okay. The goal isn’t to be grateful all the time but to be grateful more often than not. It’s about shifting your focus from what’s going wrong to what’s going right
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At it takes is 1 minute a day to self reflect and gain perspective to appreciate one person, situation, achievement, or thing you are grateful for.
For me personally, losing a loved one was both a tragedy yet a wonderful gift of perspective to understand the value of life. Today, I am grateful for the loving connections I have with my family.
What are you grateful for today? Comment below!✨