on gratitude: why being thankful matters | no. 13
There's a part of all of us that knows being grateful is good. It's polite, it's mature, it's "looking on the positive side." What if gratefulness was much more than that? What if it actually changed things - your circumstances, your mindset…you.
Plenty of studies have shown that gratefulness literally changes our brains. People that practice "counting their blessings" through journaling or consciously recognizing things they are thankful for are happier and less depressed.
The wonderful nature of gratefulness is something I've been more intentional about this year. Being grateful is something I want to be a state of being, a default for living. What better way to live than giving thanks for everything? Today I wanted to share how being thankful has changed and improved me and some tips for practicing grateful behavior in your own home.
Gratefulness has always brought something good in my life. It's never fallen short or disappointed. I still believe if the only reason you practice gratefulness is purely for selfish reasons, to enjoy the goodness that follows, you still can't go wrong. It wouldn't be long before the gratefulness would eliminate your selfish attitude!
One day, in particular, comes to mind when I think about gratefulness impacting my life. I caught myself getting disgruntled and short with the circumstances of the day. I felt God prompt my heart to be grateful, instead of being upset. It was one of those times I truly had to change the physical expression on my face to obey because it's pretty hard to be grateful with a scowl as an accessory…
I was amazed (but shouldn't have been) by how quickly my bad attitude went away when I listed things I was grateful for. It's pretty difficult to stay angry and upset when being thankful. Go ahead, give it a try. It's like my sister says, "try to say bubbles and be angry and the same time." You can't do it!
Habits
In my efforts to make gratefulness a part of my natural rhythm, I want to share some easy habits that will help you make gratefulness a priority.
One. Grateful Lists in the Morning and Evening
The easiest way to make a habit is by attaching your new habit to something you already consistently do. For example, I hope you wake up and go to bed every day… I'm pretty sure that's a given. When you wake up, purpose to say 3 things you're grateful for right when you open your eyes for the day. It’s a beautiful way to start the day. In the same way, ending the day on a grateful note has been a wonderful habit for our family. We have begun doing it during our daughter's bedtime and it's such a wonderful way to let go of all the stressors that may have happened throughout the day and focus on the good - there's usually quite a bit!
Two. Journal
Practicing journaling is a great way to go more in-depth into your emotions and the heart surrounding your day. What really helps my journaling habit is having a journal that I love! Obviously, all you need is a writing utensil and paper, or a computer if you like to type. But I've found that when my journal is aesthetically pleasing to my taste and laid out in a functional way, I'm more likely to sit down and write. This journal is my favorite for intentional moments of gratitude and I find that keeping it in a visible, accessible place is the best way to keep me coming back to writing.
Three. Do it with a Friend
Isn't everything better with a friend? Whether it's your husband or a best friend (or one and the same, heyo!), having someone being grateful alongside you is a great reminder to get out of the rut of disgruntled behavior. A simple way to accomplish this is just by agreeing to text each other one thing you're thankful for at lunchtime. The perfect boost to the middle of your day.
If you aren't already practicing gratefulness, now is a wonderful time to start. Gratefulness improves your well-being and your outlook on life. Why not give it a try?
Let me know below, what's one thing you are thankful for?
love, makayla