365 Days of Gratitude: Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude One Day at a Time
2019 was such a year of growth for me. I’m not sure others may have noticed as much as I did, but I can feel it deep inside.
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And, honestly, that’s what matters most right now.
Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude
After losing my mom in 2017, depression hit me hard during the grief process and my physical health took a pretty hard hit as well.
Climbing back from that was only made easier through the birth of our granddaughter.
I would never want to put the idea of her being “my Savior” on her, but she sure helped my healing.
As I began to feel healthier physically, I knew I still needed to work on the inside matters. My mental health.
I’ve always struggled with anxiety, but I desperately wanted to find a way to start working through that. I yearned for a way to simply be more happy in my day-to-day life.
Therefore, I started researching ways to find that inner peace, that happiness I was searching for. It wasn’t that my life lacked those moments, my brain simply couldn’t feel them the way I thought it should.
This is when I discovered the thing I was missing: gratitude.
What is the definition of gratitude?
Gratitude, at its core, is the genuine appreciation and acknowledgment of the kindness, blessings, or positive experiences we receive from others.
It encompasses a deep sense of thankfulness and recognition, allowing us to cultivate a mindset that focuses on the good in life.
Gratitude goes beyond the shallow act of saying “thank you;” it involves a profound realization of the value and impact of the gifts, gestures, or support we receive.
By nurturing a practice of gratitude, we tap into the power of acknowledging the contributions of others, fostering better relationships, and finding contentment within ourselves.
Don’t get me wrong; I’m incredibly grateful for the things I have in my life. Most importantly, the people in my life.
I’ve already mentioned my granddaughter. The love I have for her is simply indescribable. That whole thing about the love you have for your grandchildren being different than the love for your children is so true!
She brings such joy to all of us.
Then there’s my husband. Colby is my rock. He has been for over 28 years. We’ve been through some things, but it’s made us stronger. Besides, he knows me better than I know myself and he keeps me grounded.
I need that sometimes. Honestly, who am I kidding? I need it a lot!
And my children? My son-in-law? Oh goodness. They make me laugh, make me cry, make me mad, and make me feel loved. Love them all beyond measure.
Together, the eight of them, keep me going on the hard days and hold me up when I’m weak.
But, even with all of that, I still needed to continue digging deeper within myself. I came into adulthood carrying a lot of baggage and it was time to start unpacking some of it.
What is a gratitude journal?
A gratitude journal is a powerful tool that helps individuals cultivate an attitude of gratitude and appreciation in their lives.
It involves regularly reflecting upon and recording moments, experiences, or things for which one feels grateful.
By actively acknowledging and expressing gratitude, individuals can shift their focus toward the positive aspects of their lives, enhancing their overall well-being and happiness.
A gratitude journal can take various forms, such as a physical notebook, an online journaling platform, or even a dedicated app.
It provides a safe space to explore and document the many things, big or small, that bring joy and gratitude, fostering a greater sense of contentment and mindfulness in life.
Why is gratitude important?
Gratitude is important for several reasons.
Firstly, it allows us to acknowledge and appreciate the positive aspects of our lives, fostering a sense of contentment and fulfillment.
By expressing gratitude, we shift our focus from what is lacking to what we have, promoting a more optimistic and positive mindset.
Additionally, gratitude strengthens our relationships with others as it encourages us to recognize and value the kindness and support we receive.
It also cultivates empathy and compassion, making us more inclined to help and support others in return.
Moreover, practicing gratitude has been linked to improved mental and physical health, reducing stress, and enhancing overall well-being.
In essence, gratitude serves as a powerful tool for personal growth and happiness, enriching our lives in countless ways.
How do I start practicing gratitude?
Through my research and need for a change in my own life, the idea for 365 Days of Gratitude: Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude One Day at a Time was born.
I began reading all I could about the “What-Went-Well” exercise developed by Dr. Martin E.P. Seligman, the father of Positive Psychology, and author of the book, Flourish.
Although it is simple in its execution, it has been known to have lasting effects on your happiness and attitude of gratitude.
What is the purpose of a gratitude journal?
365 Days of Gratitude is a guided journal to help you begin to develop and cultivate an attitude of gratitude through daily written exercises.
Each night before bed, grab the journal and jot down three things that went well that day. Additionally, go a step further and write a sentence about why it went well.
What do you write in a gratitude journal?
The prompts are designed to encourage you to focus on the good in your life. People, things, events, and emotions that elicit good feelings.
As you begin to journal through the prompts, try to be specific in your responses. When we hone in on the specifics, we are better able to appreciate the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings of the memory.
Do gratitude journals really work?
Depending on how deeply you choose to lean into each of the exercises, you will see an increase in your happiness and gratitude that could have life-altering effects on how you view the world around you.
Not only am I journaling through the gratitude exercises this year, but I am also encouraging my children, sister, and niece to do the same.
It’s been a tough couple of years and I believe we could all use a shift in our thinking.
The journal is NOW AVAILABLE on Amazon.com and I am so happy to finally be able to share it with you!
Does gratitude journaling make you happier?
I’ve been working on it for months, doing the research, gathering the materials, and formatting the journal in a way that I hope works for everyone.
I hope you’ll take this first step with me towards appreciating more of the world around you and being grateful for the little things with this journal.
Share the practice with family and friends, as I have, by gifting this journal to others and spreading the happiness around.
How to express gratitude?
There are countless ways to express gratitude, and choosing the right one depends on the situation and the person you want to thank.
One common way is to simply say “thank you” in a genuine and heartfelt manner.
This can be done in person, over the phone, or even through a handwritten note or email.
Showing appreciation through small acts of kindness, such as helping someone with their tasks or surprising them with a thoughtful gift, can also be a powerful way to express gratitude.
Additionally, taking the time to listen attentively and acknowledge someone’s efforts or accomplishments can go a long way in showing your appreciation.
Remember, the key is to be sincere and genuine in your expression of gratitude.
Gratitude turns what we have into enough.
Anonymous
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