The Power of Gratitude

At its core, being grateful means recognizing and appreciating the good in your life. It's about taking time to notice the little things — like a beautiful sunset or the smell of freshly brewed coffee — and savoring them in the moment. It's about being thankful for even the smallest blessings, such as the laughter of a child or a warm hug from someone you care about. And it's also about giving thanks for all that you have — whether it be material possessions, relationships, or opportunities.

Gratitude also means understanding that nothing lasts forever and that sometimes we need to take time to appreciate what we have before it’s gone. When we are grateful for something, it can help us stay humble and mindful of our blessings even when times get tough. We learn to trust in our own abilities and recognize that we are capable of overcoming any obstacle with hard work and determination.

The Benefits of Practicing Gratitude

Practicing gratitude doesn't just make us feel better in the moment; research suggests that cultivating an attitude of gratitude has long-term benefits as well. Studies show that people who practice gratitude report higher levels of happiness and wellbeing than those who do not express gratitude regularly.

They also tend to be more resilient when faced with challenges because they understand how their current situation could be worse off without their blessings. Additionally, expressing gratitude may lead to improved physical health since it helps reduce stress hormones like cortisol which can cause inflammation in the body over time. Lastly, those who are more grateful tend to show greater empathy towards others which helps them cultivate deep connections with friends and family members alike.

Gratitude is a powerful emotion that can have far-reaching effects on our mental and physical wellbeing if practiced regularly. So next time you find yourself feeling down or overwhelmed by life’s challenges, take some time out to pause and appreciate all that you have—that might just be enough motivation to carry you through whatever comes your way!

You can start trying these prompts before anything else today:

1. Person: I am grateful for my (child, spouse, family, friends, coach, etc) ______ because they bring _______to my life.
2. Place: I am grateful for (my home, company, group, my recent vacation to x) because it brings ______ to my life.
3. Health: I am grateful for my health & body because I am able to _______.
4. Learning: I am grateful that I have learned _______ because it enabled me to _______.

A great way to keep track of your goals, progress, plan, and gratitude plan. Check out our self care journal here, that will help you with just that!