When life seems to get out of control and we're feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and maybe a little anxious gratitude might be the last thing on our minds. All of the hard stuff and the things going wrong seem to be at the forefront. But, during the hard times we need to be disciplined and still feel gratitude even when it's not easy. I promise there is always, always something to be grateful for.
Gratitude is defined as: the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. What I love about gratitude is that is has a ripple effect on our world. If we are grateful and are ready to SHOW appreciation for something, we are most likely going to return that kindness out into the world, creating an even greater impact.
These wonderful impacts are not only on the macro level, but on the personal level as well. Research has shown that the simple act of gratitude has multiple positive benefits on our mind, body, and spirit. According to Psychologytoday.com here are seven scientifically proven benefits of gratitude:
Gratitude opens the door to more relationships
Gratitude improves physical health.
Gratitude improves psychological health.
Gratitude enhances empathy and reduces aggression.
Grateful people sleep better.
Gratitude improves self-esteem.
Gratitude increases mental strength.
So, who's ready to dive in and begin a gratitude practice with me? It doesn't have to be a huge time commitment. Spend one minute a day either journaling or just taking a mental note of things you're grateful for.
Pro tip: focus on the little things in life. Often times, they become the big things later anyways. But, by focusing on the small, you'll train your brain to be looking and searching for the good throughout the day. Here's my grateful list from yesterday:
A delicious gluten-free sprinkled cookie
Hearing a great lecture on self-love
Seeing my five year old, Owen, being Daddy's little helper.
Finishing my book
Getting in a good interval run
All of you ladies reading this email right now. Thank you for joining me over these last five days!
Here's my challenge to you. Start small, but start. Right where you're at. Make notes in your phone, record an audio message, email yourself, journal, share with a partner, or just take that mental note. Just start.
Blessings to you and your family!
Jenna