Each day bad news crowds our newsfeed. From shootings to wars to inflation to toxic political dialogue, a never-ending stream of stressors can do a number on your mindset and heart. No matter where you turn – TV, social media, the Internet – there’s no way to escape it. We can’t forget the daily difficulties in our lives, either, such as struggles in our relationships and careers, finance struggles, and health and safety concerns. These also all have a big impact on our mental (and physical) health. So how can you be grateful when it seems like the world is so heavy? How can we find reasons to celebrate and feel happy when there are so many reasons to feel the opposite? Below are five steps to practice feeling grateful daily.
Begin small
We often overlook things that are part of our daily lives. It might be a beautiful sunny day; you can work out and take care of your body; people love you. It’s so easy to take these things for granted. By acknowledging and appreciating these smaller things, you will experience gratitude regardless of your circumstances.
Note your progress in life
It’s easy to disregard our progress in our own lives. We tend to think parts of our own growth as insignificant. Take a minute to think about where you have been versus where you are now. Examine the changes you have made to make your life better – reflect on these moments and record them so that you have an ongoing list reminding you.
Be in service to someone else
Nothing helps with improving gratitude more than taking the time to help someone who is suffering. It redirects your mind from your own problems as you focus on giving to someone else. This allows you to appreciate and be grateful for your current life situation.
Master balancing wants versus haves
For everything you want, write down something you once wanted that you have now. Maybe it’s a car, a beautiful home, a great significant other, or a fulfilling career. At one moment in time, you dreamed of having something that you have now. When we constantly look at what we don’t have and want, it puts us in a state of lack and scarcity. By acknowledging what we currently do have and what we want in the future, we experience a state of abundance. Desiring from a state of abundance and gratitude will enable you to receive and continue to feel grateful.
Be intentional
Each moment in our lives, there is an opportunity to submit to the overwhelming emotions bad news and situations bring. Finding gratitude is a practice that must be intentional. Make it a habit at the end of each day to write down three things you are grateful for. When you wake up, look at those things to set the tone for your day and put yourself into a state of gratitude.
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