How About Some Gratitude

Today I would like to express gratitude to each and every one of you who has taken the time to be here, right now, in this moment. I would like to specifically express my gratitude for you taking the time to read this blog post. Lately I have been thinking a lot about gratitude, what it means to me, and how it has improved my life tremendously. Gratitude is defined as the state of being thankful.

A life without gratitude is often an unfilled life. Sprinkling a smidge of gratitude into your daily life is the first step to achieving positivity in your home, workplace, relationships, and most importantly, your inner self.

Expressing gratitude does not have to be a large task. It can be small and requires little to no effort. Although it is much more than a simple ‘thanks’ without further thought . . . it is also an effortless gesture that can possibly be contagious, similar to a smile.

If you are looking to improve the quality of your life and the life of others, appreciate them and your ability to be and express gratefulness in your daily life. Below I have thought of 10 super easy ways to show gratitude. Once you begin, you will soon see a difference in the world that surrounds you.

1. Journal your blessings
Writing down what you feel blessed for will not only provide as self reflection, but you will be able to see your blessings down on paper. Journaling is a cost-free way to process your emotions, liberate yourself and your life, and it supports your spiritual growth.

2. Be an active listener
Show your gratitude to others by really listening to what they have to say. The keyword here is active. If you are listening but are not fully in tune, cannot provide feedback, nor are able to recite back what the person you are conversing with has said, then you are not actively listening. Show that you are actively engaged so that they feel heard and respected.

3. Make eye contact
When interacting with people, make eye contact and show you are really present in the conversation. Similar to active listening, making eye contact is a for sure sign that you are completely invested in what they are choosing to say to you.

4. Help a stranger
Whether your decision to help is carrying groceries, helping with a project, or giving directions to someone who appears to be lost— help will not only make the individual feel great, but you will too.

5. Be thoughtful of others
In the midst of taking care of yourself, it is important to also think of others first. Considering someone else’s feelings will show them that you are considerate enough to put what you have going on on the back burner in order to show them that they are worth being thought of.

6. Volunteer for unpleasant tasks
Offer to do a chore or errand, even a task that you know an individual necessarily does not enjoy. Making someone’s day easier will make the world of a difference and them knowing that it came from you will leave an everlasting impression.

7. Give a hug
Make a true connection with those you love and are grateful to have in your life by giving hugs when greeting, saying goodbye, or saying thanks.

8. Smile
Not only is it contagious, it is a gesture that speaks a thousand words. A smile can not only make someone’s day, but it can make for the best ‘Thank you’ in return of someone’s gratitude towards you.

9. Sincere Thank You 

When you say the words "thank you" to someone, think about the act you are saying that for and embody how you feel when you do this. It makes that thank you even more meaningful to yourself and the person you are thanking.

10. Be a support system
Congratulate those around you even if you are not the winner, offer assistance only a positive role model can provide, or how about rooting for someone who has not a soul in their corner. Be the support system someone never knew they needed.

I decided to write about the topic of gratitude as expressing gratitude is something very important to me and my well being. Just to get a little personal here, I like to express gratitude by thanking the cleaning woman in the locker room at the pool where I swim for always keeping the showers, locker room, and bathrooms so nice and clean.

Thank you the universe, spirit, and mother earth for all the beauty that surrounds me, especially during my walks on the beach. I am beyond blessed to experience such beauty.

A priority of mine is to tell my husband daily how grateful I am for him. I like to be specific with my words I choose so that he knows how appreciated he is, day in and day out. My gratitude journey consists of all kinds of things. Today it was for water, watching my dogs breathe, my eyes to see, date night with my husband last night, the new walking path that just opened, for the workers that made that path possible, and so much more.

Best of all, I am grateful for the ability to pass my gratitude onto others.
In Gratitude,

Brenda