The practice of gratitude can
make us happier. According to University of California Psychology Professor Dr.Robert Emmons, gratitude can increase happiness by 25%. He says in his book,
which outlines strategies for cultivating gratitude, Thanks! How the New
Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier that, "Gratitude is literally
one of the few things that can measurably change people's lives." In his
research, he has discovered that the practice of gratitude helps us to cope
better with stress, gives us greater health, and increases positive feelings
such as hope, peace and happiness.
While the benefits are clear,
many people still have a tough time, especially during hardships, to turn to
gratefulness as a helpful tool in creating a more positive outlook. But the
most important life-altering thing that gratitude can provide is to place us in
the moment. When we are in the moment, time seems to stop, and life, in
general, becomes richer. So put yourself in the moment by soaking in all the
goodness that exists around you. Truly enjoy the many blessings that you have
been given. You will see that the aroma of a hot cup of coffee will be a little
stronger, the fresh outdoor air will be appreciated more, and the negative
comment made about your career will sting a little less. The practice of
gratitude helps us to see things from a new perspective and, in turn, life
becomes more of what it is, a beautiful gift meant to be savored, and joyfully
and purposefully lived.
Here are some ways to
practice gratitude:
Make a list of top 100 things
to be grateful for - Although this may be tough to do, start to think about
what you may be taking for granted, which will make the list become long.
Keep a gratitude journal
Write in a journal daily or at least regularly to record all that you are grateful for. According to Sarah Ban Breathnach, author of Simple AbundanceJournal of Gratitude, by giving thanks for five gifts every day she says, in two months, you may not look at your life in the same way as you might now. She also says, "Gratitude is the most passionate transformative force in the cosmos."
Write in a journal daily or at least regularly to record all that you are grateful for. According to Sarah Ban Breathnach, author of Simple AbundanceJournal of Gratitude, by giving thanks for five gifts every day she says, in two months, you may not look at your life in the same way as you might now. She also says, "Gratitude is the most passionate transformative force in the cosmos."
Enjoy life's simple pleasures
Relish in all the simple pleasures such as food, the beauty of nature, music, and great conversation. So much abundance exists around us and we will attract even more by noticing it.
Relish in all the simple pleasures such as food, the beauty of nature, music, and great conversation. So much abundance exists around us and we will attract even more by noticing it.
Write a thank you note
Is there someone who you can write a note of thanks to, which, perhaps, can make their day? Some people who may be in need of some appreciation are waitresses, teachers, the postman, a friend or family member, or a coworker.
Is there someone who you can write a note of thanks to, which, perhaps, can make their day? Some people who may be in need of some appreciation are waitresses, teachers, the postman, a friend or family member, or a coworker.
Stop complaining for 21 Days
Join over 6 million people in more than 80 countries who have participated in the Complaint Free challenge developed by Pastor Will Bowen of Christ Church Unity in Kansas City, MO. The challenge began when he asked his congregation to form a habit of gratitude by not complaining for 21 consecutive days, which scientists believe is the amount of days it takes to form a new habit. Then he passed out purple bracelets to each church member to remind them of their commitment to the plan. He said to them that if they slipped and complained during the 21 day period, then they were to move the bracelet to the other wrist. Try it!
Join over 6 million people in more than 80 countries who have participated in the Complaint Free challenge developed by Pastor Will Bowen of Christ Church Unity in Kansas City, MO. The challenge began when he asked his congregation to form a habit of gratitude by not complaining for 21 consecutive days, which scientists believe is the amount of days it takes to form a new habit. Then he passed out purple bracelets to each church member to remind them of their commitment to the plan. He said to them that if they slipped and complained during the 21 day period, then they were to move the bracelet to the other wrist. Try it!
Look at each day as a gift
If you haven't seen the video, "A Good Day," with Brother David Steindl-Rast, view it a www.gratefulness.org. This is a must see to truly understand that to be alive for another day is a gift, and as Brother David says, "the only appropriate response to this gift is gratefulness."
If you haven't seen the video, "A Good Day," with Brother David Steindl-Rast, view it a www.gratefulness.org. This is a must see to truly understand that to be alive for another day is a gift, and as Brother David says, "the only appropriate response to this gift is gratefulness."
Uncover a hidden opportunity
Hidden opportunities exist in trying times. Take a good look at how a life challenge can have a positive outcome, or be the best thing that ever happened to you.
Hidden opportunities exist in trying times. Take a good look at how a life challenge can have a positive outcome, or be the best thing that ever happened to you.
Be of service to the less
fortunate
To be of service is the best way to give back for all the blessings you have been given. Extending ourselves to those who are less fortunate confirms our gratitude and, in turn, makes the world a better place.
To be of service is the best way to give back for all the blessings you have been given. Extending ourselves to those who are less fortunate confirms our gratitude and, in turn, makes the world a better place.
Express thanks everyday
Tell someone how thankful you are to have them in your life. Whether it's your Mom, Dad, sibling, friend, people love to be appreciated for who they are and nothing else. This gratitude goes along way and can make a relationship that much sweeter.
Tell someone how thankful you are to have them in your life. Whether it's your Mom, Dad, sibling, friend, people love to be appreciated for who they are and nothing else. This gratitude goes along way and can make a relationship that much sweeter.
Article Source: Stacey Porto
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Come and join us in our BellaVita4Life-MagazineFacebook Page. We provide information to help you to reach your full potential and strive towards emotional, spiritual, social, financial and physical success and to improve your overall wellbeing. Subscribe to our BellaVita4Life Free Self-Growth iTunes App on iTunes for the steps and strategies to transform your life and find everlasting peace, happiness, increased wealth, better health and attracting loving relationships. Practising gratitude can help you find your life's purpose. Come and join us in our DailyGratitude4Life Facebook Group where we share tips on the benefits of gratitude.
Isabella and Linda ❤
