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When life gets a little overwhelming, it’s easy to get hung up on the things you don’t have – more money, fewer responsibilities, more free time… this list can be endless.
While all of these are goal-worthy dreams, living in the endless cycle of have-nots can begin to take its toll on your day-to-day life. You can find yourself feeling less happy and fulfilled; instead, you feel short-tempered, short-changed and resentful.
The upside to all of this is that you can shift your perspective by practicing a little bit of gratitude each and every day. It doesn’t take any extra time – you can do it while at the gym, walking the dog or in the elevator.
To get you started, here is a short sampling of gratitude practices you can use to build your own set that you can use every single day. Multiple times throughout the day. It will change your perspective and help you become more aware of the countless blessings you do have in your life.
1) Upon waking: Before your feet even hit the floor, be thankful for the gift of a new day. It holds such promise!
2) If you have a hectic morning routine, remind yourself how blessed you are to be able to meet the demands of both yourself and those that depend on you.
3) Throughout the day: Anytime you see something or someone that elicits positive feelings, remind yourself how lucky you are to have these things and people in your life and write them down (journal).
4) When you move about, be thankful for how you’re ambulating – whether it’s on-foot or with the aid of technology, be grateful you have the freedom to go where you like.
5) Each time you drink or eat something, remember that each bite of food or sip of clean water is a gift.
6) Be thankful that you are in good health and have family and friends who love and support you.
7) Show gratitude when someone does a good job or deed – praise them and watch their day become a little brighter, too!
8) At bedtime: Be thankful you made it through the day so that you could lay down and sleep in a warm, safe environment.
This is only the tip of the iceberg, but give it a try.
When you get into the habit of feeling grateful, a whole new world of possibilities opens up because you’ve opened up to them! See how gratitude can have a positive impact on your health starting today!
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Previously published on LinkedIn.
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