An Attitude of Gratitude
by Daryl Daughtry, Publisher
– Listen to this article here.
In recent years, research has proven that an attitude of gratitude is strongly associated with healthy emotions and happiness. It has also been shown that an attitude of gratitude plays an important role in nurturing relationships and can even inspire you to take better care of yourself.
It only makes sense that when you incorporate gratitude into your everyday life, you will have a more positive outlook, and you will be more appreciative of things. You will be less likely to take things for granted and will be more inclined to be moved by the little things in life.
Those who practice daily gratitude tend to be much more hopeful in life. They are also more likely to have greater resilience and less likely to feel like they’re a victim when things don’t happen to go their way.
Research has proven that when you live with a thankful mindset, you are less likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. You will be more optimistic and enjoy an increase in energy. Gratitude also has a positive effect on cardiovascular health and immune health and has been shown to actually lower blood pressure, increase pain tolerance, and even have a positive impact on pregnancy.
People who experience heartfelt gratitude in their lives have higher levels of happiness and far greater self-esteem and confidence. Being grateful focuses your attention on happier, more positive thoughts which can help you to feel better about yourself and help you to get rid of negative self-talk.
Being grateful isn’t always easy, but without it, life can be incredibly lonely, depressing, and impoverished. While showing gratitude can enrich your life and energize, elevate, inspire, and transform your life.
I get it… when you’re dealing with a difficult situation, it can be challenging to see the positive in it. This is where being grateful can actually help. It doesn’t mean that you’re grateful for the difficulties, but instead, it refocuses you on the positive things that are going on in your life, even if they’re small.
Here are four ways you can practice an attitude of gratitude and become a happier in life:
1 – Keep A Journal
Keep a gratitude journal. Keeping a gratitude journal requires nothing more than taking a few moments at the end of the day and writing down the things that you are grateful for in your life.
2 – Be A Blessing
Every day, give at least one compliment to someone. Being a blessing blesses you just as much as the receiver of the blessing.
3 – Change Your Perspective
When you find yourself in a difficult situation, ask yourself what you can learn from it? Instead of getting bitter – get better.
4 – Stop Complaining
Make up your mind not to criticize or complain for the rest of today. You will begin to notice the negative atmosphere you were creating every day with your negative thoughts.
You don’t need any specialized equipment or a lot of money to practice gratitude. All you need to do is use your head and your heart.
Always remember that life isn’t happening to you. An attitude of gratitude presumes that life is happening FOR you!