So, which is it? Are happy people grateful or are grateful people happy? Both!
I have yet to meet someone who was truly happy, yet felt ungrateful for the blessings in their life. Likewise, numerous studies show that gratitude has a direct impact on our happiness. Feeling grateful actually has a physiological effect on our bodies since it raises our endorphin levels. And, research shows that our brains perform better when we are in a positive state as opposed to neutral or stressed.
We need to get to that state more often. Sadly, we live in an age where the “I’ll be happy when” mentality is pervasive. With this mindset, we can never be happy /peaceful / content now. It’s always elusive.
What if we were present in the moment and learned how to experience happiness and joy now? Gratitude can help us get there.
Here are 5 practical ways to incorporate gratitude into your life:
1) Take a few minutes each week to write a thank you note to someone who has made a difference in your life, big or small.
2) Seek opportunities to express appreciation to the people in your life; your co-workers, the delivery guy, your spouse, your kids.
3) Keep a journal (paper or electronic) of your blessings and good things that happen.
4) Surround yourself with physical reminders: put a note card with the word gratitude by your kitchen sink, your computer, on your car dash or write it on your bathroom mirror.
5) Use technology: Add a recurring reminder on your phone or computer to pause for gratitude. And, how about all those passwords? Make your passwords a positive reinforcement of the good in your life.
I’m grateful for you. Thanks for taking time to focus on gratitude! Attitude of Gratitude is Mindset # 3 of The 7 Mindsets to Live Your Ultimate Life