Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching, and it has many Americans thinking of all the things they are grateful for. Cultivating an attitude of gratitude can help you feel more content with your current situation in life. In preparation for the Thanksgiving season, incorporate our simple gratitude tips into your daily routine.
1. Write It Down
There are good things that happen to us each day; however, if we aren’t paying attention it can be easy to take them for granted. Try to make it a point to notice when good things happen and write them down. This will make you more aware of them, and also serve as a reminder when times are tough.
There are a couple of different methods you can use to write your blessings down. One is to keep a gratitude journal. Date each entry into the journal and try to make at least one entry each day. You can keep the entries short, or go into detail about the specific circumstance so you can remember it better later. Periodically read back through your journal and remind yourself of all the things you have to be grateful for.
Another option is to start a grateful jar. Keep small pieces of paper or post it notes beside the jar and jot down all your blessings as they happen. You can also enlist the help of your family members in filling up the jar. On Thanksgiving Day take all the papers out and read them while your family is gathered around the dinner table. It will become a fun family tradition, and will help everyone maintain perspective.
2. Watch Your Words
The way we speak influences our thoughts and actions. You have likely heard the common saying, “Watch your thoughts, they become words. Watch your words, they become actions. Watch your actions, they become habits. Watch your habits, they become your character. Watch your character, it becomes your destiny.” This simple phrase sums up the way that our thoughts and words can influence our life. Simply watching our words and changing them from negative to positive can have a significant impact on our daily gratitude.
3. Look for Ways to Give Back
When you give back to others, you become more aware of their life circumstances. By taking the focus off of yourself you can become more aware of just how blessed you really are. Sometimes we just need a reminder that the things we take for granted are things that other people struggle with. Take the time to serve others, and improve their lives. You may just receive just as big of a blessing in the process.
Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude
This Thanksgiving season, don’t just go through the motions of being thankful. Be proactive in showing your gratitude for the good things in your life. It will not only make you happier, but will also bless others around you. Incorporate our 3 simple tips into your daily routine to cultivate an attitude of gratitude.
