When we take time to express gratitude and appreciate all the wonderful things we have in our lives, we are happier, healthier and at peace. And if, like me, you write a gratitude journal, you know exactly how it feels - joyous.
Let's celebrate World Gratitude Day today! Here are...
Ten ways to express gratitude on World Gratitude Day
Think of three people who have done something nice for you. Write a letter to each one of them, appreciating them, expressing your gratitude. Describe a specific event, an experience, things they did or said, for which you are grateful. I'd love to know how you feel after you do this!
Tip: How about making it a handwritten letter!"We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives." John F. Kennedy
What five things are you grateful for, right now? Just jot down the first five things that come into your mind. Then reflect on why you are grateful for each one of these things. This is a great mindfulness exercise and it helps you relive the experience of what you felt good about, again.
Tip: make it a daily habit to list five things at the end of each day, or begin your day with gratitude"What you focus on expands, and when you focus on the goodness in your life, you create more of it. Opportunities, relationships, even money fl owed my way when I learned to be grateful no matter what happened in my life." Oprah Winfrey
Go to the nearest window. Look outside. This moment, find something beautiful in the frame and practice gratitude for it.
Tip: Pause at least five times each day to take a deep breath. And just be. Focus on one thing and appreciate it. You'll be pleasantly surprised how rejuvenated you feel!"The happy heart is one that is filled with gratitude. A simple ritual such as bowing and breathing deeply to greet each day awakens joy in us. Each day, each season, each cycle offers something of beauty. Let us notice and give thanks." Diane Mariechild
Do a random act of kindness today to show your gratitude. Compliment someone, smile at someone, spend time with someone...
Tip: Make it a daily practice"Blessed are those that can give without remembering and receive without forgetting." Unknown
What is one difficult situation you experienced this year? How did you overcome it? Who helped you? What lessons did you learn from it? Do you see the silver lining? Feel gratitude for the person who made it easier for you, or listened to you.
Tip: Practice seeing the positive side of things"Gratitude is like a flashlight. If you go out in your yard at night and turn on a flashlight, you suddenly can see what's there. It was always there, but you couldn't see it in the dark." Dawna Markova
Think about what you do have, instead of what you do not have. Make a list of what you have in your life. Feel grateful.
Tip: Starting now, pledge to appreciate what you have rather than focus on what you don't have."Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance." Eckhart Tolle
With the technology overload we live with, we often forget to notice the wonders of nature. Switch off your devices for 10 minutes. Then go for a short walk or a bicycle ride. If you live near the sea, enjoy the beach, the waves. Feel the connection to the universe. Feel grateful for life.
Tip: Make it a habit to spend at least ten minutes in nature every day"Gratitude is the ability to experience life as a gift. It liberates us from the prison of self-preoccupation." John Ortberg
Take a large jar or a box. Call it your Gratitude Jar. Each time you're grateful for something, write it on a slip of paper and drop it in the jar. Watch it fill. Feel the rush of happiness and gratitude.
Tip: Put in at least three notes per day!"Find gratitude in the little things and your well of gratitude will never run dry." Antonia Montoya
Take stock of your routine from the moment you wake up, to the moment you go to bed. Feel grateful for your routine.
Tip: Make a couple of positive changes in your lifestyle and enjoy the result"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend." Melody Beattie
Yep, you as much as anyone, deserve your gratitude. Look at yourself in the mirror, hug yourself. List three (or more) things you like about yourself, appreciate them.
Tip: Practice self-love every day!"Gratitude is one of the sweet shortcuts to finding peace of mind and happiness inside. No matter what is going on outside of us, there's always something we could be grateful for."What are you grateful for today? I'd love to know in the comments! Better still, how about responding to one of the 10 above?
♥
Thanks to Shutterstock for the lovely image with my favorite coffee!
Writer, editor, blogger, social media enthusiast. Love DIY, Coffee, Music, Reading, Photography, Family, Friends and Life. Mantra: Happiness is a DIY Project. In my free time I play with my dust bunnies and show my diabetes who's boss. Tweet as @vidyasury
