Gratitude

self improvement Mar 14, 2023

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What is the meaning of gratitude?

Why should we be grateful? For what should we be grateful?

Have you ever tried to write down everything for which you are grateful? I do it every morning and evening.

Why did I start writing down several things that I am grateful for twice a day? I was stuck in the proverbial “rut”. To improve my life, I did a lot of research and self-study on how to improve my situation and repeatedly saw articles about how being grateful could improve one’s outlook on life.

So, I decided to give it a serious try. Now, every day, I write down several things that I am grateful for in the morning and the evening. By taking the time to repeatedly write down what you are grateful for, not just thinking about it, causes you to change your mindset to a more positive one. This, in turn, can change your outlook to a more positive one as it has done for me.

Since I started down this path of writing and expressing gratitude every day for the things and people I have in my life, my life has become happier.

What is Gratitude?

Gratitude is finding something good in our lives and being thankful for what we already have. For example, take a minute and think about what you have. Do you have a roof above your head? Food to eat? Do you have family and friends? What about electricity and water? There are many things for which you can be grateful.

Why is Gratitude Important?

Gratitude is important because it helps us to appreciate what we have instead of taking things for granted. When we are grateful, we are more likely to be kind and helpful to others. Additionally, gratitude can lead to increased happiness and satisfaction with life. Finally, gratitude can help reduce stress and promote a sense of calmness and well-being.

Therefore, cultivating a sense of gratitude is essential for leading a joyful and fulfilling life. There are many ways to cultivate gratitude. One way is to keep a gratitude journal and write down things you are grateful for each day. Another way is to meditate on gratitude or even say a short prayer of thanks before meals. Whatever method you choose, make sure that you are truly sincere in your gratitude. The more heartfelt and specific your gratitude is, the more powerful it will be.

How to Start Being More Grateful?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to practicing gratitude:

Step 1: Keep a Gratitude Journal

Write down three things that you’re grateful for each day. Be specific and try to include both big and small things. For example, you might be grateful for your health, a loving family member, or a beautiful sunset.

Expressing thankfulness to those who have helped you or made your life better in some way is a great way to show your appreciation and gratitude.

Step 3: Pay it Forward

When you’re feeling grateful, try to do something nice for someone else. This could be as simple as complimenting a stranger or holding the door open for someone.

Step 4: Live in the Present Moment

Gratitude is all about appreciating the good in your life, even if it’s just the little things. So, take some time each day to truly savor the moment and be mindful of all the good around you.

By repeatedly writing these things down every day, you are on your way to positively change your overall outlook on life!

Interested in starting your own Gratitude Journal but don’t exactly know how to start?

To make it easy for beginners, I created a Gratitude Journal that is simple to use. There is a "print-on-demand" version of my “Gratitude Journal” on Etsy and a book version of my "Gratitude Journal" available on Amazon!

The Gratitude Journal includes three pages for each day. Two of the pages prompt you to write down what you are grateful for in the morning and the evening. The third page is a daily review where you are prompted to write down what you are proud of for the day as well as what you are looking forward to tomorrow.

Suggestions for Being Grateful

Gratitude is akin to love. It is making a space in your heart for someone to whom you are grateful.

Here are some ideas for whom to be grateful:

God

Whether you believe in God, the universe, or life in general, give thanks.

Thank God, the creator of everything. Be grateful for everything that you have.

“Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!” – Luke 12:24

Parents

Thank your mother and your father for bringing you into this world. This is an important thing for which you should thank them.

If you have foster parents or adoptive parents, thank them also.

Thank them for leading you through this life, teaching you, taking care of you, and watching over you!

Your Peers

Be grateful for your peers. Whether your peers are from work, from your church, or even the “moms’ group” of your school-aged children, your peers can be a great support for you.

Since your peers are about your age and most likely going through the same “life challenges” that you are, they can be a great resource for matters of health, prosperity, relationships, success, and more.

Kids

Be grateful for children, both yours and others.

Did you know that children help us to be better people? Children learn through watching and doing. So, if you want your children to learn manners, then you need to show them manners. If you want them to learn to read, you need to read to them.

Be thankful that children give you the opportunity to be a parent, a teacher, and a mentor.

Your Elders

Thank your elders. Old age is often personified with wisdom and experience. In old age, people begin to see and understand that life is fleeting.

Therefore, older people often try to impart their wisdom and experiences acquired over many generations to us even though we don’t always listen. Accept it and appreciate it. Be grateful for the opportunity to avoid mistakes made by previous generations.

Respect your elders and all older people as they are a mirror of your future.

Other Women

Be grateful for the women surrounding you in life.

Sisters, mothers, grandmothers, friends, and co-workers…all have something to give. Whether it be a sister’s shoulder to cry on, a mother’s love, a grandmother’s wisdom, or a friend’s willingness to just listen, all contribute to your well-being.

Be grateful for the bond all women share.

Men

Be grateful for the men in your life. Imagine how different the world would be without men…cupboards and pantries full of unopened jars!😊

Of course, I am joking, but men have many complementary qualities for women such as their strength, their protectiveness, and their different way of thinking to name just a few. Be thankful for husbands, uncles, grandfathers, or older brothers who are positive role models for your children. Show gratitude for the love, care, and support that men provide.

Your Spiritual Self

Be grateful for your spiritual self. Your spiritual self has many names: your soul, your spirit, your conscience, your higher self, your intuition, your guardian angel, etc. Regardless of what you call it, this inner, invisible force supports you and guides you through this life with all its ups and downs. Be thankful that your soul has guided you to this point in your life whether you are aware of it or not.

Everyone has their own unique soul and spirit. If you want to change your view on life, instead of looking at the world around you, turn your gaze inward and perhaps you will see something that you have not seen before.

People Who Are Kind to You

Give thanks to those who are kind to you. Everyone gives what they can whether it be a gift, help, kind words, or maybe just a hug. Be grateful for every little thing.

Don’t judge someone too harshly if they didn’t give you something that you were expecting or anticipating. You don’t know their circumstances. Maybe they gave all that they could? Instead, give thanks to everyone who does anything for you no matter how little it might seem.

People Who Are Mean to You

While it may seem odd to be grateful for someone mean or malicious towards you, it is they who made you go through one of life’s trials that you need to grow into a better person. Whether this person has caused you pain consciously or unconsciously, be grateful for the life lesson that they taught you.

And while it is difficult, you should forgive them. Holding a grudge or being angry with someone for years can have a detrimental effect on your health and well-being. Forgiveness allows you to release your feelings of anger and resentment and is more for your benefit and well-being than it is for those who hurt you.

Teachers

In addition to the traditional teacher at school, one’s teacher might be a mom or dad, a grandmother or grandfather, a close friend, or even a mentor. It does not matter who your teacher is, it’s more important to realize all that these people have taught you.

Not only tell them “Thank you!” but show them gratitude from the depths of your heart.

Yourself

Gratitude for yourself is a small part of self-love. Thank yourself – you transmit this gratitude to the world and other people.

How do you say "thank you" to yourself? Here are some ideas:

Take care of your body by eating healthy food, exercising, yoga, meditation, praying, etc.
Choose to be around people who make you feel good about yourself.
Passionately and purposefully work toward your goals.
Be willing to learn new things…which helps you grow and contribute to the world
Allow yourself to bounce back from bad days and disappointments
Read inspirational books instead of watching TV or viewing social media

Parting Thoughts

Gratitude is a wonderful way to focus on the positive things in your life and increase your overall happiness. By taking time each day to reflect on the things you’re thankful for, you can significantly boost your mood and outlook on life. You’ll be amazed at how much better you feel when you start expressing thankfulness for all the good in your life.

Now that you know why gratitude is so important, make it a priority to start practicing it today! Give it a try and see how it makes you feel!

Looking for more ways to improve your life and your well-being? Check out my blog post “14 Ways For Women To Reduce Stress” for some tips and recommendations for reducing the stress and anxiety in your life!

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