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It’s November, as Thanksgiving approaches, with Christmas swiftly following, its easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of the season. I thought that this would be the PERFECT time to talk about gratitude and what a difference a bit of gratitude can make in your life! So lets talk about gratitude shall we?
Gratitude can be simply broken down to appreciating the good things in your life. It doesn’t always seem simple, though. When things are hectic or stressful, finding the silver lining can be challenging. However, learning how to embrace gratitude can significantly boost your happiness. Being grateful offers a host of other benefits you’re probably not aware of, too. Let’s take a closer look at the concept, ways it can improve your life and how to practice it.
Let me tell you, gratitude changes EVERYTHING. I’ve experienced it first hand.
About Gratitude
There are many definitions of gratitude. Some people believe it’s a feeling or emotion. Others look at it as more of a mood. Still, some folks believe gratitude is a personality trait a person exhibits. These can all be correct. In essence, gratitude elicits satisfaction and appreciation in a person through feelings, actions or even inherent qualities. However, even those of us who may be more inclined to feel grateful on a regular basis through our glass-half-full-optimism likely need to work on evoking such an outlook. Gratitude can be viewed as a practice or something you perform regularly. Most people practice something because it benefits them. This is true of gratitude. As with other practices, you’ll get better at demonstrating gratitude the more you work at it.
Benefits of Embracing Gratitude
There are many benefits of gratitude; many of them have been scientifically proven. Once you begin to understand these, chances are good that you’ll see why it’s so important to develop a grateful mindset. Gratitude can have a positive effect on both physical and mental health. Research has shown it to improve relaxation, sleep quality and energy levels. Being thankful for your blessings can enhance your emotional wellness. You’ll deal better in crisis situations and find you’re more resilient when you’re able to look on the bright side. This can contribute to better relationships, too. Appreciating the positives in life can simply make you feel happier.
Ways to Practice Gratitude
Recognizing your blessings may not come easily at first, but there are some ways to help make it a habit and a regular part of your routine. One of the most convenient and impactful methods for cultivating appreciation is through keeping a gratitude journal. In this practice, you’ll write down three things each day that you’re grateful for, which makes it easier to notice and recognize those good things. Meditation has also been shown to help. Also, making an effort to thank someone each day, for even the smallest thing, opens your eyes and heart to abundance. Giving back and doing good for others can provide tremendous perspective, as well.
Now you have a better idea of just what making a concerted effort to count your blessings can do for your life. Embracing and expressing gratitude are more important than many of us realize! The next time you’re feeling a little blue, or struggling to make it through the day, take 5 minutes and write a gratitude list! Write down at least 5 things that you’re greateful for… you’ll feel better in no time!
AND because I am grateful for all of you, I’ve teamed up with some other fabulous bloggers to bring a awesome giveaway!
It’s the season for love and giving but also stress. Let us knock some of that weight off of your shoulders by giving you a chance to win BIG during our Hello November $250 Cash Giveaway! You have the option of choosing between $250 PayPal Cash OR a Gift Card of choice! This event was organized by The Kids Did It & The Mommy Island and sponsored by fabulous bloggers, authors, and Etsy shop owners! Pull up a chair and carve your way through the daily entries!
Giveaway Details:
ONE entrant will be selected from the entry form to win $250 PayPal cash OR a $250 gift card of choice. Open for entry WW, 18 years and older from 11/01/18 at 12:01 a.m. ET thru 11/30/18 at 11:59 p.m. ET. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. A winner will be chosen after/around December 1, 2018. The winner will have 24 hours to respond to notification email to claim their prize or a new winner will be selected. See Rafflecopter for official rules. The Kids Did It & The Mommy Island ARE responsible for sending the winner their prize via PayPal or e-gift card. The winner has the option of choosing between PayPal and an e-gift card of choice. Prize may be less than $250 if you choose a gift card with fees. Any fees associated with PayPal are the responsibility of the winner and will be deducted from the total prize amount.
A huge THANK YOU to these fabulous bloggers, without which, this giveaway would not be possible. Please note the first entry is to show them love on one of their posts below and is NOT optional. All entries are verified.
Follow The Kids Did It on Facebook and Twitter then enter for a chance to win!
Twitter profiles with no profile picture and dummy accounts are ineligible for entry and will be blocked. Authentic accounts only are eligible to win.
Angela MacRae says
I think gratitude is something people need more of 🙂
Jennifer says
Agreed!!
Kerri McCullough says
I’m thankful for your great ideas. Keep up the good work!
Calvin says
Gratitude is needed in this world! It’s so often overlooked
Michele Morin says
Yes, just a bit of gratitude gets the ball rolling. God always meets us wherever we are.