I’ve been on a little gratitude high lately. I’ve had a gratitude practice off and on for ages, but for several months, I’ve really been leaning into it. My consistent practice has brought a surprising amount joy to my day-to-day life.
I write in my gratitude journal every evening before going to sleep and recount the things that I am grateful for in my day. Some days, I write a few little things, like I’m grateful for the flower that I saw or just the fact that I am breathing. Other days, I might write for pages because I noticed so many things to be grateful for or I want to fully describe an experience I am grateful for.
I go to sleep happier and sleep better. I wake up happier and more motivated to start my day and do the things I need to do to take care of myself. I have a greater awareness of how I treat others and how it affects them. The little details of life delight me more.
My gratitude practice is something that is positively impacting both my mental and physical health.
According to Harvard Health, “In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people:
- feel more positive emotions,
- relish good experiences,
- improve their health,
- deal with adversity,
- and build strong relationships.”
Would you like to start your own gratitude practice, but have trouble finding the things you are grateful for? See if you can relate to feeling grateful for any of the items on the list below to help get you started:
- Nature
- Fresh Air
- A roof over your head
- That you are alive
- Food to eat
- Laughter
- Water
- Sunshine
- Stars
- Flowers
- Imagination
- Friends
- Your body
- Music
- Pets
I invite you to think about what you are grateful for and notice how thinking about what you are grateful for impacts how you feel.
May you have peace within,
Julia
