1. The little things count too
Often when we think about gratitude we think it’s got to be something huge. “God I am grateful for our new home” or “I am grateful for getting a promotion and our new baby!”
The little things matter just as much as the big things. When we take time to show gratitude for the small things not only do we realise how many more blessings we have in our lives but it sends out the message to the universe to give you more to show gratitude for.
So perhaps today you managed to get up early and work out, show gratitude for that. Or you chose to focus on positive thoughts, have gratitude for that.
It sometimes helps to keep a gratitude journal so on days when it is tough to remember what you have to be grateful for, you can simply reach for your journal and read it out loud.
2. Sometimes it starts as a verb
Sometimes to be able to show gratitude we need to be in motion, we need to be doing, and whilst doing we realise how grateful we are.
The other day I went for a walk with my mum and at first, it was just to keep her company and catch up. But whilst out on our walk, I realised how grateful I was to have this moment just the two of us, to have this time to connect and share our goals and dreams for the next few years.
So start doing what you enjoy, start being more productive, start writing that book you put off or make that call to that friend you keep meaning to. I promise once you start you will feel grateful that you are able to do this.
3. Watch uplifting videos
My go-to for inspiration on lifting my mood, putting my mind at ease or anything I need more guidance for is YouTube videos.
You will find motivational videos, talks, and recommended groups, and books to read from here. Speakers like Les Brown or Pastor TD Jakes will give you that motivation no matter what you are feeling! After watching their videos I am reminded that I have too much to do in terms of my purpose and I am instantly grateful for the time to do it.
4. Eat Nourishing Foods
What you feed your body will affect your mind. The worst thing to do when you may be feeling down or hopeless is to get junk food. Often when we’re having thoughts of hopelessness we indulge in bad habits such as overeating, or under eating, smoking, or excess alcohol. These habits will make you feel worse, not better.
Instead, take time to prepare hearty meals you enjoy. Right now, I am loving cauliflower and potato mash. I make it with a bit of black pepper and garlic and serve it up with a side of grilled salmon, delicious!
5. Affirmations
My favourite of all the tips to finding gratitude is affirmations. I cannot rave about the power of affirmations enough, and I would recommend you read Positive Affirmations: The Healing Power & Why I Recommend Them.
By doing daily positive affirmations to show gratitude, your mind starts to believe this. The universe then sees that you are committed and grateful about the things you have and then sends you more to be grateful for.
You don’t have to make your affirmations long, it can be a couple of affirmations or even one. Just start don’t worry about making them perfect they are only for you.
But in case you would prefer ready-made ones, I created a Thanksgiving Affirmations Freebie for you.
DOWNLOAD HERE
Affirmations to Help You Practise Gratitude
- I am grateful for each moment I have with loved ones
- I am thankful that I am loved by God
- I am grateful that I have this opportunity to continue my life purpose
- I feel grateful that I am loved
- I am thankful for my friendships
- I am grateful for each day I rise
- I am thankful for the moments of joy
- I give thanks to those who helped during my moments of pain
- I feel gratitude for my ability to make others laugh
- I am thankful for the music that moves my soul
- I feel gratitude that I am able to give to others
- I am thankful for my faith in God
- I give thanks that I have food and shelter
- I am grateful for my quiet moments with God
- I am assured that my blessings are plentiful
- I am grateful for the abundance of love and kindness I have to give
- I am thankful that I continue to have hope that there is much better to come
- I feel grateful to find stillness and appreciate the moment
- I am thankful for each step I take to live my greatest expression of myself
- I give gratitude to God for he created each and every one of us in his own image
I really hope this gave you some easy practical ways to regain your hope and faith that although this year has been difficult we still have much to show gratitude for. I would love to hear from you how you celebrated Thanksgiving this week if you do or simply what you are grateful for.