“What you think about, you bring about” is a popular theory. It suggests your reality is created by where you focus your mental energy.
I believe in this principle and do my best to practice it every day. With the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, the season lends itself perfectly to the magic of gratitude!
For some people, feelings of gratitude are infrequent and temporary. They tend to feel them only after an incident like receiving a gift or a favor. For others, gratitude is their usual state of mind. They have an overall tendency to feel grateful. Take a moment to consider which category you usually fall into.
Can you learn to strengthen your feelings of gratitude? The answer is YES! And when you do, you’ll find the rewards are life changing.
Psychologists say when gratitude is expressed or received, the brain releases dopamine and serotonin, which can improve mood and produce happiness. Studies show that expressing gratitude can positively affect your health – physically and emotionally – and can deepen relationships with significant people in your life. So, tell the ones you love how grateful you are for them, and watch them respond with even more kindness.
Since gratitude can make us feel good, improve our health, and strengthen our relationships, why aren’t we all living in a constant state of gratitude? I believe it’s a lack of awareness and practice. And yes, it’s something to practice.
Living in gratitude is one of my daily habits. Here are a few ways I do that.
Make a List
When I wake up in the morning, I roll onto my back and take a few deep breaths. Then I recite a gratitude list in my head. It’s very spontaneous.
For example, “I’m grateful I woke up!” I’m grateful I’m healthy.” “I’m grateful mom and her husband Chris are happy and healthy.” “I’m grateful for my cat, Chloe.” “I’m grateful for my friends and neighbors.” “I’m grateful my business is thriving.” “I’m grateful I’m going hiking today.” You get the idea.
Declare an Intention
Next, as I get out of bed I say out loud, “Something magical’s going to happen today!” Now, you may think that’s an odd thing to say, but it sets the tone for the day. And why not wish for something magical? It sure beats the alternative.
Journal
Later in the morning, I sit with a nice cup of coffee and my journal. This is BEFORE I look at my phone or laptop. I open my journal and make a list of at least ten things I’m grateful for. Again, just a spontaneous list. As I continue with my journaling, I’m now coming from a place of optimism. Even when I’m journaling about challenges or obstacles, by starting with gratitude, I more easily come up with options and solutions.
Shift Your Focus
Let’s go back to the “lack of awareness” component. It’s easy to SAY you’re grateful. And yet, if your thoughts don’t match your words, you’ll never access the power of gratitude.
Are you always focused on what you don’t have or what’s lacking in your life?
“I wish I had more money.” “If only I were younger.” “I miss being in a loving relationship.” “I just can’t get this weight off.” “Why do things keep going wrong?” “I can’t find new friends.” “I have no purpose in life.”
When you focus on lack, you’ll keep attracting lack. And just like in the movie Groundhog Day, you’ll keep living the same life with the same lack.
When you focus on what IS working in your life, you’ll attract more of the same. And although life will rarely be challenge-free, your perception of life will be far more optimistic. You will live with more joy.
We can’t control what happens in life, but we can control how we respond. We can take charge of our thoughts and make a choice to harness the magic of gratitude.
Author Melody Beattie writes, “Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”
As we move into the season of thanksgiving, let’s take some time each day to lean into the warm embrace of gratitude.
Wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving. I’m grateful to share this special community with you.