Celebrating World Gratitude Day

I am happy to celebrate World Gratitude Day today.

The last couple of week brought tragedy, sickness, tough times and sadness in various degrees into our family and I would not have coped had it not been for the family and friends I am privileged to have.

It is true that when we appreciate what we have, count our blessings and look up and say thanks, life is a lot happier. Even the negatives look positive and promising. Also, gratitude is linked to better health – mental and physical.

Did you know that grateful people, who make it a regular practice to give thanks are one up on those who don’t? It is a fact that when we are thankful, we take better care of ourselves and cultivate healthy habits such as regular exercise, a healthy diet and are also less stressed.

I know for sure that grateful people are more optimistic, and this has a positive health impact.

When we’re grateful we are also mindful and live in the moment. Life is more satisfying when we look at what we’ve got rather than focus on what we do not have.

I practice gratitude in the following ways:

Writing a gratitude journal regularly. Any time I feel low, all I have to do is look in my book to feel overwhelmed at how I am blessed
Taking stock of all the things I have, taking an inventory of all the people and things that I take for granted and expressing my appreciation for them individually
When things look gloomy, I change my perspective. I reframe the situation and find my attitude changing.
Making it a point to smile as much as possible. It helps me look at everything with the eyes of love.
Counting my blessings
Writing thank-you notes
Through prayer every morning, at the start of my day

And so…

On World Gratitude Day

I give thanks to…

My family, who show their love in the most unexpected ways, besides the hug and kiss overload.
Corinne who has been a solid friend and support, letting me rant, be my freaky self (oh yes) and kept me smiling.
Inspirati, my writing team. Each member showered me with love and encouragement. Who knew that a group of random people brought together could become so close and cohesive? I am grateful to Vanya Abhyudaya Cynthia Cifar Bindu Nikita and Sai and the lovely conversations that go on and on and keep me from my bedtime.
My computer technie, who calmly talked me through getting my system up and running
My neighbors, for being kind
For being able to work from home – what a blessing!
For my test results, which were quite decent and not as scary as I expected
My doctor, whom I’ll meet tomorrow, who’ll assess my health and help me keep it up
My diabetes, which enables my family and me to take special care of our health, and has helped me make exercise and a healthy diet non-negotiables
You, who connect with me and keep me motivated
Life lessons my Mom inculcated in me, that help me strive to be a better person