In our fast-paced, demanding world, it's easy to get caught up in the chaos and lose sight of the many blessings that surround us. However, practicing gratitude can significantly impact our overall well-being. Research shows that when gratitude increases, our mental and physical health improve. (Seriously! Gratitude is associated with fewer aches and pains, reduced depression, and better sleep. Plus, it doesn’t cost a cent, and it comes with zero side-effects.)
Why does gratitude matter?
Not only does gratitude make a difference in our mental and physical health, but it also strengthens our relationships with God and others. You can’t have a relationship with someone you don’t communicate with, and relationships especially thrive on two words: “thank you.”
The problem is, we don’t always feel thankful. There’s hope, though – gratitude isn’t actually a feeling. It’s a choice we make. Here are 4 ways to choose gratitude and cultivate it in your heart:
1. Say "Thank You" More Often
It may seem obvious, but a simple "thank you" can go a long way in increasing our gratitude. Take a moment to acknowledge acts of kindness, whether big or small, and express your appreciation to the people involved.
This could look like thanking your barista for a delicious cup of coffee or expressing gratitude to a friend who lent a listening ear. By verbalizing our appreciation, we not only make others feel valued, but we also train our minds to actively seek out reasons to be grateful.
2. Start a Gratitude Journal
Keeping a gratitude journal allows us to reflect on the positive aspects of our lives. Set aside a few minutes each day to jot down at least 3 things you’re grateful for. It could be as simple as the warm sunshine or a delicious meal.
Over time, the act of writing down our blessings will deepen our appreciation for what we already have and foster a grateful heart. By consciously focusing on the good things in our lives, we shift our perspective toward gratitude and create a habit of seeking out the good even in challenging circumstances.
3. Check for Silver Linings
Speaking of challenging circumstances, it’s important to remember that gratitude won’t make them go away. Life is full of ups and downs, and it's easy to dwell on the negatives when faced with adversity.
Embracing gratitude in challenging times helps us navigate through difficulties with a renewed sense of hope and resilience. It enables us to shift our mindset from trying to be thankful for our circumstances to being thankful in our circumstances. Even in the midst of trials, we can find things to be grateful for – silver linings that our present situation can’t take away from us.
God is unchanging no matter what we face, and so much of his character can fuel our gratitude when we’re running on empty. Instead of focusing on what we lack or what went wrong, we can choose to view our circumstances through the lens of God's unchanging character. Even in poor health, stressful financial situations, and strained relationships, God’s love and grace are always available to us (Psalm 46:1).
4. Serve Others
When we shift our focus from ourselves to others, we develop a deeper appreciation for the blessings in our own lives. Volunteering at a local charity, lending a helping hand to a friend, serving at church, or simply performing random acts of kindness can ignite a sense of gratitude within us.
As we extend love and support to others, we not only brighten their day but also foster a spirit of thankfulness within ourselves. Serving others reminds us of God’s blessing in our lives and deepens our understanding of the interconnectedness of humanity.
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It requires intentional effort to cultivate and express gratitude in our daily lives. As we embrace a grateful mindset, we open ourselves up to a world of beauty, joy, and a deeper connection with both God and others. So, let's choose gratitude today and every day, for it’s in gratitude that we find true abundance and contentment.
Looking for more content on cultivating a grateful mindset and improving your outlook on life? Check out these resources:
Guarding Your Heart Against Greed
11 Ways to Practice Gratitude With Your Kids
Giving Thanks: a 5-Day Bible Reading Plan
10 Ways to Combat Worry + Find Peace
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