Gratitude

There is no sugar coating it- life is challenging. We all go through experiences that don’t always feel good in the moment, but in the end, these experiences contribute to who we are. Expressing gratitude and appreciating those hardships is what helps us grow, learn, and achieve more than we ever thought possible. Practicing being grateful can be difficult though. So how do we understand gratitude, and how do we learn to use gratefulness as a tool to transcend into better versions of ourselves?

What is gratitude?

Gratitude is simply showing appreciation for yourself and the world around you. It is giving thanks to the big things, as well as, the little things in life. Being grateful looks like saying thank you, having positive feelings towards yourself and others, and expressing understanding toward all of life’s offerings. Begin your gratefulness journey and dramatically enhance your life by taking the following three steps:

3 Steps to Gratitude

Recognize

The first step in expressing gratitude is being aware of your circumstances. As you begin to make a more conscious effort to celebrate the little wins, your stress and anxiety levels will decrease. It’s important to acknowledge that despite all the bad, there is still good, and everything will be okay.

Practice

The more you become aware of how much there is to be thankful for, the easier it will be to start practicing gratitude. In this next step, take action, and apply gratitude to your own life. Commit to looking in the mirror everyday, and directly telling yourself what you are grateful for. Write a list of things you appreciate in your life and come back to that list if you start to neglect your gratitude practice.

Be Consistent

As your awareness shifts and your gratitude practice deepens, your habits will grow stronger. Habits take time to build, so remember to be patient with yourself. Over time, as you continue to practice, your outlook on life will become more positive. Reference your gratitude list and remind yourself each day of all there is to be thankful for.

Expressing gratitude is a form of self-work that can be practiced by all. Remember that appreciation can be shown for all things in life; big or small. Whether you are thankful for your breakfast in the morning, or your win to cancer, there is always something to be grateful for. Being grateful can help you push through hard times, encourage you to find the silver lining, and boost your self-esteem. Use gratitude as a tool to reframe your outlook on life and manifest the best version of yourself.

-Danielle Lasky, CPT Zero Doubt Club