I’m a self-improvement junkie. Good thing that I’m always a work in progress! I love the books, podcasts and people who encourage us to be the best we can be.
In all of those resources, one word always rises to the surface.
It’s a word you seem to hear more around the holidays and special occasions. However, those who know the power of it, make it part of their daily routine to get instant return on investment.
That word is gratitude.
Google defines gratitude as:
1. the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
Tony Robbins says, “When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.” I love that. I’d much rather live in abundance than in fear!
Gratitude can positively impact every area of your life. Research even gives it place for improving physical, emotional and spiritual health. People who keep a gratitude journal constantly talk about it’s power.
If you want more in life, does that make you less grateful? Not at all. Being grateful means that you take in every opportunity and every season life has to offer. I think that’s when life actually brings more opportunities!
Personally, I do three things to improve in this area and they all help to keep me grounded. I believe they are simple things anyone can do to increase gratitude.
1. Reminders
I put them on my watch, in my car, on my computer screensaver, around our home, in our bathroom… places that I will constantly see short motivational messages that remind me to always be grateful. One of my favorites is simply, “Make it Count!”
2. Positive Self-talk
“Are you Kidding Me?” This is what I like to ask myself when I start having a personal pity party about something that hasn’t gone quite right. It’s self-talk that looks something like this:
Grrrr. They left out the sauce… again! (Sauce lovers will totally relate!)
Are you kidding me? Calm down. See if there’s some ketchup. Think of it as less calories. It’s sauce.
As much as I do love sauce of any kind on just about anything, in the grand scheme of things, it’s not worth one minute of wasted negative energy. Positive self-talk lets you get quickly get past the issue and focus on the bigger picture. I start each day with a cup of coffee and a spoonful of positive self-talk!
3. Meditation and prayers of gratitude
Things really gained perspective for me when I defied the odds and had a child after many years of infertility. When I kissed that sweet face for the first time and held those tiny little hands and feet in my own, gratitude overflowed from the depths of my soul.
What are you grateful for?
Hold that thought the next time something doesn’t go quite right. It’s easier to express gratitude when things are going well. It’s when things are not going well that gratitude can make all the difference.
Life is just too short. Make it count friends!