Practicing Gratitude
The practice of gratitude provides us with perspective, appreciation, and guides us toward hope. It has positive effects on our physical and emptional health and costs nothing to do and takes little to no. Taking stock in the positive and good that surrounds you can be grounding, making it possible to move and find joy.
2020 was a year like no other in our lifetime. We experienced a global pandemic, lockdowns, and civil and political unrest. Lives were upended by school closures, job loss, financial strain, and toilet paper shortages. How do we move forward with hope and gratitude when much of the issues of 2020 have followed us into the new year?
Some days the good is easy to find, other days it takes some work to see. Many can find gratitude by looking toward their families, their surroundings when their basic needs are met, or toward their spirituality. Keeping a journal or photos of the things that you are grateful for can help you on the days you are having difficulty finding the good. Keep these lists and photos closeby to keep them top of mind.
Try practicing gratitude with your friends and family by sharing the things you appreciate about one another. It can help uplift everyone and can bring you closer together. The practice of gratitude is a great thing to teach children and teens as well. It helps boost their mood and teaches them to stay positive and appreciative. It’s a skill that will serve them throughout their lives.
Ways to find gratitude:
- List the things that went well today.
- Think about the people you love.
- Find a feel good news story.
- Identify positive characteristics about yourself.
- Spend time in nature and appreciate the beauty you find there.
- Think about what lessons may come of your current challenges.
- Give back and volunteer.
- Disconnect from social media.
- Surround yourself with positive people.
- Enjoy time with your pets.
- Be present.
