Do you want to be a happy person?
Sure! Most people do. But many people struggle with how to actually BE a happy person.
That might sound strange…or it might sound familiar.
There is so much information out there about happiness and how to attain it. But I have found that there is one constant that MUST exist for you to become a happier person. That one thing is gratitude. At the very foundation of happiness, if you cannot look around and see the things that contribute to your happiness on a regular basis, you cannot be a happy person.
The great news is you are surrounded by those things every day (whether you choose to look for them or not). Yes, you can also look for (and see) challenges, setbacks, and struggles. But when you make an intentional effort to see what you appreciate, you find that every day is truly a day to be thankful for your life.
The word ‘gratitude’ gets thrown around a lot, but have you ever stopped to think about what it actually is and how to make it a part of your everyday life? Let’s get back to basics and answer some questions so you can be crystal clear on what gratitude is and how to do it!
What is gratitude?
The word gratitude comes from the Latin word gratus, which means “thankful” or “pleasing.” So, to be grateful is simply to have appreciation and express thanks.
What things can I be grateful about?
Anything that you appreciate! Your health, your family, your kids, your friends, your dog, the stranger who held the door for you this morning, the fact that you laughed today, the sunshine, being able to buy food at the grocery store because you have some money in the bank, a warm bath, a good book, your computer (so that you can work, your kid can attend school, or you can Zoom with anyone, anytime you would like to see them and say ‘hi’). The list is endless - literally endless! When you start to think about all of the little things in your life that are actually pretty big things, you will begin to see things to appreciate everywhere!
What is a gratitude journal?
A gratitude journal is a place (paper or electronic) where you capture things for which you are grateful. It can be in the form of a list or paragraphs. There’s no right or wrong way to do it! It is simply a place where you capture things that you are grateful for each day by writing them down.
Why should I write in a gratitude journal?
In addition to the benefits listed above, gratitude journaling has been shown to lower stress levels and increase levels of calm. It helps you to focus on the things that matter most to you. When you get clear about what you are grateful for, it’s easier to make decisions for what you want more of in your life, and what you can cut out!
Do you revisit your journal after you’ve written in it?
Yes! Think about the feelings you get when you look through old photos; you laugh, you cry, you smile, you feel things...you are grateful. Imagine if you occasionally looked back through your record of all of the things in your life that were heartfelt and appreciated? If you just got goosebumps thinking about that, what would happen if you actually did it?!?
Simply put, giving thanks can make you happier and healthier. The benefits, not only in your mental and physical health, but also in your overall attitude in how you approach the world, has a positive impact that is contagious.
Starting today, go out into the world - everyday - looking for things for which to be grateful, capture them in your gratitude journal, and never look back.
Want to be a part of my Mindset of Gratitude 21-Day Challenge?
For the first 21 days of January 2022, we’ll focus on your daily gratitude practice. I’ll be going live twice a week and you’ll get daily prompts and inspiration inside the group to help you get started. Then, during the final 10 days of January, we’ll continue the interaction and inspiration inside the group and encourage you to share your own 21-Day results, ask questions, and support each other.
All you have to do in order to participate in this private group is to purchase the Gratitude Journal (either by itself or as part of the “I Want it All” Bundle). To find information on both, CLICK HERE.