It’s not happiness that brings us gratitude, it’s gratitude that brings us happiness – unknown
Day 3
Gratitude is a thankful appreciation for what an individual receives, whether tangible or intangible.
Gratitude has many benefits in terms of our health, happiness, satisfactions with life, enhances self-esteem and the way we relate to others.
Grateful people also make and have more lasting friendships.
There are infinite ways to show our gratitude to others, ourselves, to a higher power or the universe itself.
These are most well-know and proven ways to practice and enhance your gratitude.
Journaling: Writing down a few things you are grateful each day is the most popular and easiest way to practice gratitude. Start with writing down 3-5 things each day (I usually do this just before bed so that I end my day on positive thoughts) that you are grateful for.
Gratitude Jar: Start with a jar (or box), a ribbon, stickers, glitter or whatever else you like to decorate the jar, paper and a pen for writing gratitude notes. Everyday write 3-5 things throughout your day that you are grateful for and place the slips of paper into your jar. Over time you will have filled your jar with many reasons to be thankful for and enjoy the life you are living. When you are having a negative day, open your jar and read the many things you have gratitude for and you negative day will soon become a positive one.
Gratitude rock: On your next walk, hike or visit to your favorite crystal shop pick out a rock. It will be a physical object you can use to remind yourself of what you have.
Gratitude prompts: Are a great way to get stated, continue your practice, or kick start your gratitude practice. Prompts include: I’m grateful for three things I hear, I’m grateful for these three friends; I am grateful for three things I see; I’m grateful for three family members etc.
Gratitude Walk/Hike: This exercise is easy to try and only requires your sense of gratitude and a pair of shoes (of if lucky to live at the beach barefoot in the sand).
Gratitude Letter/email: Write a letter to a person you are particularly grateful to have in your life. Be detailed and express all the wonderful qualities about this person and how they have effective your life for the better.
Meditation: Gratitude meditations are a double whammy for well-being. You are essentially performing one of the most impactful happiness practice at the same time.