Gratitude ~ How It Can Change Your Life

Gratitude is one of the best self-help remedies you can practise to help you in almost any circumstance you find yourself in.  You may find it a little challenging to begin with but if you can stick with it, the benefits are endless.

I remember watching a fly on the wall documentary recently about a rich family that had children who were born into money and spent thousands of pounds on designer goods and unnecessary items before they even reached their 16th birthdays.  I watched with sadness as it was glaringly obvious the one trait missing from all of the 5 children was gratitude.

When I coach clients to discovering gratitude, we often visit areas of their lives that bring happiness and joy.  Often it is a moment, memory or connection to love… Rarely is it connected to money.

There will be times in your life when gratitude comes more natural, like getting a promotion at work, but try to think about the daily things you’re grateful for that are sometimes just taken for granted.

I know it’s hard to see positive forces when hardship is looming, but if you can focus on moments, feelings and situations that don’t keep you in the dwelling, it could open up your thinking to new solutions.

By recognising what you’re grateful for, acknowledging it, and appreciating it is the best ways to start.  Feelings of excitement are good as this generally gives you the motivation to start the change.  If you practise daily you will notice better health, more happiness, reduced stress and less anxiety.

Below are 10 ways you can cultivate gratitude:

1. Notice your world and surroundings.  Be aware of the people and things that are important to you and start to notice them more.
2. Keep a diary.  Writing down how you’re feeling and what you’re thankfully for each day is key.
3. Try to switch a negative thought into a positive one. e.g. the meeting inside the cold conference room.  To the conference room with a great view.
4. Humility and being modest and respectful – What areas of your life could you apply this to?
5. Give yourself at least 1 compliment daily.  Probably the most challenging but with daily practise you will get better.
6. When a bad situation arises, ask yourself “what can I learn?”  When I look back on this without emotion, what will I be grateful for?
7. Practise positive thoughts and energy for 10 days straight.  Anytime a negative thought appears you must go back to day 1 and start again.
8. Carry out a random act of kindness – A personal favourite.  Think about how good it makes you feel when you make someone elses day.
9. Become involved in a cause or charity you’re passionate about.  You will gain greater appreciation for the cause and vice versa.
10. Give compliments to others and be genuine with it.  Also learning how to receive a compliment is important too… Accept it and say “Thank you.”

So there you have it!  10 things to help you stay in the reality of each situation, grow your self confidence and be grateful for the people and things in your life each day,

Gratitude – Own it, it’s a beautiful gift.