Four Ways to Practice Gratitude

Here are some ways to start practicing gratitude to improve your well-being: (fr Sparkpeople - a website I like to visit) Keep a gratitude journal. At the end of each day, write down 3-5 things from the day you feel grateful for. Simplicity is key. Your baby’s smile, a perfect sunset, the train arriving on time, or your best friend’s laughter. Relish the feeling you get when remembering and writing it down. Express your gratitude. Take the time to share your feelings. Not the simple, polite thank you, but the heartfelt emotions. Tell your friend how her support and sense of humor helps you get through tough times, and how much it means to you. Don’t take your loved ones for granted. Let them know how much you love them and why. Look for what is right about a situation, not what’s wrong. Sure you’re frustrated by the bus being late, but thankfully you have an understanding boss. Service at the restaurant is poor, but you are lucky to afford an evening out surrounded by good friends. Practice gratitude with your family and friends. Although you may not say grace before a meal, encourage each family member to report one thing that happened that day that they feel grateful for. When you hear a friend moaning and complaining, challenge him or her to find the hidden opportunity or silver lining to the situation. -- By Ellen G. Goldman, Health and Wellness Coach Sources: Ben-Shahar, Tal. 2007. Happier. New York: McGraw Hill Emmons, R.A., and McCullough, M.E. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84: 377-89. Fredrickson, Barbara L. 2009 Positivity. New York: Crown Publishers Lyubomirsky, Sonja. 2007. The How of Happiness. New York: Penguin Books Seligman, Martin. 2002. Authentic Happiness. New York: Free Press hang out with me on facebook stay inspired with my newsletter - get a free PDF tutorial save time and money at my online store Thanks for stopping by ~~ Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!