Don’t Just Say Thank You

Gratitude is the attitude! We’ve heard that one before, but what does it really mean? Many people think it’s enough to just speak “thank you’s,” but there is so much more to expressing gratitude. Showing it brings so much more positive energy to the world than saying those two words. Let’s dive into how gratitude can benefit yourself & others & what it should actually look like.

What are the benefits of gratitude?

     Practicing showing gratitude has an endless amount of benefits. When you take the time to reflect on the little things you’re thankful for, your whole being can make positive changes. You’ll feel happier, somewhat less stressed, have improved health, & have a few more positive personality traits. Not to mention, your relationships will improve because of the positive vibes you’re exuding. When you show gratefulness, others can see it, & it’s contagious. 

How do you show gratitude?

     Other than using your manners, how can gratitude be expressed though? The answer is a simple three step process. The first two steps will cost you nothing except time, while the final step can be free or extravagant. It’s all up to you, but none will go unnoticed.

Step 1: Be mindful about the people, places, & things around you

     We frequently go throughout the day mindlessly. We walk around not paying attention to the people, places, & things around us, simply moving through life. I know there are many days, especially when my schedule is jam packed, that I go through without noticing a thing. I’m just there. That’s no way to live though. We miss out on so much that can add beauty to our lives when we go through life with our eyes fixed on tunnel vision. 

     Mindfulness is a great tool to use when practicing gratitude. To do this, you have to be aware of your surroundings. Take some time to stop & use all of your senses to experience the world around you. Look around at all of the blessings in your space: your family, your job, nature, your friends, food, shelter…the list is endless. Inhale the air & embrace the scents, tune your ears into the sounds nearby, feel the ground beneath your feet, & savor the taste of the last thing you ate or drank. They’ll all enhance the moment.

     One easy way to kill two birds with one stone is doing a gratitude walk. Put some comfortable shoes on, get some steps in, & use your senses to find things you’re grateful for. Ditch the headphones & power walking for right now. This walk is about experiencing life around you. Take a stroll & use your surroundings as the music. With each person, place, or thing you come across during this experience, silently keep note of each. You’ll feel a little more positive as your list grows & will have added some movement to the day.

Step 2: Reflect on the things you’ve come across

     Now that you’ve taken note of the wonderful things around you that you may not regularly notice, take some time to be still & think about them. Really reflect on how those things contribute to your life in positive ways. We don’t usually think about how nature can contribute to our lives (unless we’re outdoorsy people), but there’s so much more to life than the things you possess. This world was created to be beautiful, & we can appreciate it more when we reflect on the small things that don’t directly contribute to us living. 

     I’m not really the outdoorsy type, especially during the spring when those allergies kick in & I can’t breathe, but my favorite places to reflect are outside. My back porch is my go-to when the weather is warm enough. I can sit, listen to the birds & wind, & stare at the natural scenery. On vacation, my most calming places are the mountains & the beach. Looking at all that has been created is amazing. I always come back recharged after staring at those beautiful places. Take some time & just sit & enjoy!

Step 3: Show your gratitude

     Although saying “thank you” is always welcomed, most things we can be grateful for don’t understand those words. Mix up the way you slow gratitude to the people, places, & things around you. There are plenty of ways to show gratitude, but I’m practicing two inexpensive ones this year. 

     My journal is a place I show gratitude daily. Whether I’ve had the best day ever or a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day, I have to finish my journal entry with one thing I’m grateful for. It helps me to end on a positive note. I try not to repeat things as well. Don’t get me wrong, there  are days I have to really dig for something. Those bad days are the hardest, but I force myself to find some light on the dark days. It helps me sleep with less chaos on my mind, something that’s hard to do because my mind is always moving.

     This week, I’m starting a gratitude jar. I’ve never done it, but I think it would be a great way to reflect at the end of the year, or even when I’m having a bad day. I haven’t decorated it yet (especially because I’m not very creative), but I have a jar sitting on my desk. It doesn’t hurt to remind yourself how much more good is in the world than bad!

     You can show gratitude to the people, places, & things you encounter in other ways. Send a card to someone who brightened your day, keep your house & car clean, buy your dog a special treat, do a little extra at work. There are so many ways you can show your appreciation for the little things that bring joy to your life.

     This month, try to focus a little more on things you’re grateful for having & experiencing. With every day we exist, we should strive to find the positives & continue to spread them. How many of you are in on this challenge? Check these links out for some inspiration:

https://www.happify.com/hd/the-science-behind-gratitude/

https://www.mindful.org/an-introduction-to-mindful-gratitude/

Let’s have a blessed & grateful 2023, Evolvers!