The Importance of Practicing Gratitude

Life can be tricky even when we have much to be grateful for.

Everybody has difficult days.

It’s unavoidable.

Something happens at work, you have an argument with a friend, there’s a falling out within your family, you learn of a complicated health issue, or the loss of a loved one.

The list can go on and on.

When these days come, it’s important to adhere to the principles and practices of mindfulness and strive to stay in a good mental space. Meditation, mindful walks, journaling, and practicing gratitude are just a few ways to maintain a positive state of mind.

When we’re struggling, it’s tempting to deny, ignore, bury down deep, or distract ourselves from what we’re feeling. While this may give us temporary relief, it will not help us heal or move forward in a healthy manner.

To heal we must first acknowledge the affliction.

We must acknowledge the disappointment, the sadness, the grief, and the pain.

We need to accept that we can only control the decisions we make and how we cope with difficulty.

We cannot control every circumstance.

We cannot control the actions of others.

While it is normal and even appropriate to be sad, disappointed, frustrated, or even angry at times, we cannot let the negative emotions consume us.

Instead, we must acknowledge these feelings in the moment and rely on our mindfulness practices to heal and move forward.

Practicing mindful gratitude is an excellent approach for managing difficult times. Simply pause, take a deep breath, and remind yourself of all that you are grateful for, both big and small.

Give it a try.

Brainstorm a list of what you are grateful for. The list can include people, experiences, parts of your daily routine, or special moments. What makes the list is up to you.

I’ll go first.

I am grateful for:

• a loving and supportive family

• friendships

• memories of family and friends that have passed

• the wonderful, purpose-filled life that I continue to live

• a variety of hobbies and interests that I enjoy

• a comfortable home where I can rest and rejuvenate

• good health

• my ability to learn and grow as a person

• an optimistic outlook

• nearly 62 years on this planet

Now take your list (if it’s digital, print a copy) and with a pair of scissors cut each expression of gratitude into a separate slip of paper.

Place each slip of paper in a jar, your gratitude jar.

Each morning, remove a slip of paper from the jar and read it aloud.

This practice ensures that each day begins with an expression of gratitude that becomes your foundation.

A foundation of gratitude lays the groundwork for a life marked by optimism, hopefulness, peace, and joy.

As the great Roman orator and philosopher Cicero had said,

“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.”

-Cicero

THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ MY POST. I AM GRATEFUL.