What Is Gratitude and How Can It Change Your Life?
Do you find yourself in a downwards spiral of negative thinking daily? Perhaps the festive season is bringing feelings of angst and overwhelm? Maybe life feels a bit blah or off-kilter lately? One of the best ways to pull yourself out of this headspace and into a place of positivity and presence, in my opinion, is with the action of expressing gratitude.
Gratitude is truly such a powerful force. It reminds us how special it is to have what we currently have rather than what we don’t. It’s a state of living in abundance versus living in a state of lack.
Developing a sense of gratitude isn't complex or challenging. It doesn't require any special tools or training. Whether you do it in the morning, evening, or middle of the day, practicing gratitude is a very grounding experience, reminding you of the beauty in the little things in life that you currently have. It helps you look at situations in a more positive light, build stronger relationships with people you love, and helps improve your mental and physical well-being. And the more you practice it, the better you will become and put yourself into a grateful state of mind.
Here are just some of the ways gratitude can help shift your mindset and change your life:
- Brings love
When used right, expressing gratitude can drive more of what you love into your life. In return for your gratitude, you will find that you often will be rewarded with more love.
- Improves self-esteem
Studies have shown that gratitude reduces social comparisons. Rather than becoming resentful toward people who seem to have ‘more’, grateful people are able to appreciate other people’s accomplishments as well as their own.
- Increases mental strength
Research has shown gratitude not only reduces stress, but it may also play a major role in overcoming trauma. Recognizing all you have to be thankful for – even during the worst times of your life – fosters resilience.
- Improves psychological health
Gratitude reduces a multitude of toxic emotions, ranging from envy and resentment to frustration and regret. Gratitude effectively increases happiness and reduces depression.
- Improves relationships
Gratitude plays a key role in forming relationships, as well as in strengthening existing ones. When it comes to romantic relationships, gratitude can help partners feel more satisfied with each other.
Try practicing gratitude daily, whether in a journal or on your phone, and I can promise you that you’ll start to feel better for it. Here are ten gratitude journal prompts to get you started with your gratitude journey:
Remember, feeling grateful for all that you currently have brings you back to the present time - and the present is a truly wonderful place to be.
What are you truly grateful for today? Let me know in a comment below so together we can spread some love and positivity to others.
Join me in my private Love Your Life community for more journal prompts and breathwork cycles to help you on your gratitude journey.
