Most people are so accustomed to saying “please” and “thank you” that these displays of gratitude are second nature. But when was the last time you really evaluated your life and what you’re thankful for? From your family and friends to your job, your pets, and even the simple things in life.
Whether thanking a person, giving thanks, or dwelling in the aspects of life that deserve gratitude, you reap great personal reward when you learn to live with gratitude.
Give Thanks
According to a study by the psychologists Michael McCullough and Robert Emmons, people who are grateful have better lives all around.
According to Emmons, people who are grateful “experience an overall shift to a more benevolent view of the world.”
Basically, people who count their blessings are happier, healthier, more productive, and have better relationships.
People who practice daily gratitude report the highest personal return. There are many ways to practice gratitude and experience these positive results.
Keeping a gratitude journal in which you record something you are grateful for every day is a good start. Creating a mental list of things to be grateful for before you go to bed also works. Daily practice is successful for many reasons.
Vibrational Match
Learning that every situation has a positive side will help bad situations take on a positive light. Being less negative about what you don’t have will force you to focus on what you do have and are grateful for, which will lead to more personal satisfaction. Searching for the best and always being positive will attract positive things and rewards to you.
Practice Gratitude
Practicing gratitude can increase happiness by 25%. Think of 2 or 3 people, or things, that you are truly grateful for. Imagine the impact they have on your life. Give thanks for everything that happens to you, even for the things that you wish wouldn’t have happened, especially for your challenges or frustrations. Allow your gratitude and appreciation to come from deep within you and allow it to pour out in waves of gratitude and appreciation.
Lastly, relationships will become better and more fulfilling because you will interact more positively with people by appreciating and being grateful for them.
