Gratitude is a funny thing. We always say that we are “so grateful” for things, but do we really mean it? Are we living in a way that reflects an attitude of gratitude? Sorry for the little cliché rhyme but I had to get it in there once!
One of the strategies I have been given to managing my anxiety is to write down daily gratitudes. I usually do this before bed to clear my mind and reflect on what has been good about the day.
Apparently, any amount of grateful reflection is good (commonly people go for listing 3), however, I choose to write down 10 things a day. Some days are much harder than others to find things I am grateful for, especially when I’m feeling a little (or a lot) down. Fun fact, you don’t even have to write them down, you can just think about them. I’m a fan of writing them down though because it gives me a way to tangibly look back and see the good in my life.
My current gratitude journal.
Started on the 2nd of April, 2015…
This journey of gratitude has been one that I work with on and off. I generally do it for a couple of weeks, stop and continue about my life only to pull out the little gratitude book when things aren’t as peachy.
Recently when listening to a podcast about slow living (check it out) I was reminded about the benefits of practicing gratitude and they’re actually scientifically proven . Some benefits include:
Building stronger relationships
Reduce impatience and improve decision-making
Produce better results in counselling
Help sleep quality and ease of falling asleep
Increase ones self esteem
Improve self care and will to care for self
And that’s only to name a few. Be honest, who wouldn’t improve their lives by seeing a difference in even one of the above mention benefits?
I am proud to say that I have been consistently doing it for the past month as I have worked it into a nightly routine. Small things I have noticed since doing this even just for the month:
Better attitude to more mundane life activities
Greater appreciation little things
Clearer mind before sleep
Reduced anxiety about money
Easier to turn around negative thoughts and attitudes
Contentedness with what I have
Happier shift in my relationship
With all of this in mind, I have decided to do a monthly “Growing Gratitude” post to share with all of you a few bits and bobs that I have been grateful for. This will not only help me keep accountable to continue my gratitude journal, but also hopefully, inspire you to reflect on the good things you have in your life and maybe even find more!
Find out more info about the benefits of practicing gratitude and some of the science behind it by visiting these websites:
Let me know in the comments below 3 things that your are greatful for today, they can be serious, they can be trivial or they can be a little bit silly. Maybe 1 of all 3!
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* The opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author and should in no way replace seeking proper medical care. If you feel like you are not coping, or just need a little extra support, please seek help from proffesional services*
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