As this year comes to a close and the holiday season is in full swing, it can be easy to get mired in the challenges and struggles you have endured over the past year and feel overwhelmed by end-of-year obligations.
I, along with many of my clients, have found that gratitude is a game-changer when navigating overwhelm and stress!
Seeking gratitude-- the simple act of acknowledging what you are grateful for-- can shift your perspective and bring more joy to your life.
When you tell your heart, mind, and body to look for ways to express gratitude, you will be amazed with all you have to be grateful for.
Here are 3 simple ways to begin a gratitude practice, and as one of my wise clients once said, “Don’t wait for Monday.” You can start this right now!
Step 1: Notice when you feel grateful. Remember, you don't need to assess your feelings; simply notice them.
Step 2: When you notice that you FEEL grateful, begin to find ways to EXPRESS gratitude both to yourself and others.
Step 3: As you build your awareness of gratitude, consider creating a daily practice of feeling, noticing and expressing gratitude.
I invite you to practice finding something you are grateful for every day!
Presencing gratitude is an act of self-love, and when you give yourself the time and space to practice self-love, it allows you to be more loving toward others, as well.
Some people find having support from others is the key for success-- if that's true for you, find a simple practice that involves others.
There are so many ways to express gratitude to others beyond saying thank you. Here are a few ideas:
Start your day with gratitude
End your day with gratitude
Create a gratitude practice for family meals
Keep a gratitude journal
Create gratitude posts on social media
Text a loved one with a daily gratitude note
I like to start my day with gratitude; as I wake up, I take three deep breaths, allowing each breath to presence my gratitude for the coming day.
How do you keep gratitude present in your life? How has expressing gratitude impacted your mental and physical well-being?