An Attitude of Gratitude

You did it! You survived another week in these crazy times. With the Christmas rush upon us, I want to encourage you to be easy on yourself. Practice gratitude, self-love, self-compassion and remember that no one is perfect. In fact, the beauty of each of us is our imperfections. We’re all trying to do the best we can in these times. It’s unfamiliar territory, however you and your family are navigating these times is enough. It really doesn’t matter if the house gets cleaned this week, or if you didn’t wash your hair - what does matter is staying healthy and connected.

I think a great activity to practice with your family is gratitude and appreciation for what you do have. It will help take your minds off of the pandemic and the losses being suffered. Let’s focus on the good things that are still apart of our lives. No matter how difficult things are, there are still so many things to be grateful for! When I practice gratitude, I experience more joy. This doesn’t mean I’m happy all the time. Joy and happiness are separate experiences. Joyfulness is tied to gratitude and it isn’t a constant feeling. It comes and goes, which means we must find joy in the ordinary moments. This time especially serves as a reminder for how special ordinary, everyday moments are.

There are many different ways to practice gratitude. The most important thing is making gratitude apart of your daily lives. Consistency is key in order to feel the benefits that gratitude provides. Gratitude is a feeling, an emotion. It’s that warm feeling you get inside when you are kind to another person. You may wish to go around the dinner table and say one thing you are grateful for that day. If it’s been one of those days and you weren’t able to have dinner together, make it part of your bedtime routine.

Another option is to start a gratitude journal. Each morning, write in your journal three things that you are grateful for. It takes minimal time and is a wonderful way to start your day! Because as Louise Hay always said, “how you start your day is how you live your day and how you live your day is how you live your life!”

A gratitude jar can also be beneficial for the family. Have each individual write something that they are grateful for that day. Put it in a jar and then read them every couple of weeks together.

Gratitude is an excellent way to help balance worry and stress. When practiced consistently it can bring so much joy into our lives. You simply can’t be grateful and worried at the same time - it’s impossible! Staying connected and providing each of us with avenues to express gratitude is one of the best ways to make it through these times.

Until next time… practice gratitude!

All my love and support are with you!