Do you wish to incorporate gratitude into your life? Here are a few tips from the Clarity Chi Clinic in Chicago to get you started.
- Express gratitude aloud when alone: Identify three things you are thankful for, then say ‘Thank you out aloud. Practice doing this with your family at the dinner table or when tucking your children in for the night. Make it a habit even on the tiniest of achievements.
- Have a gratitude journal: Create a journal of all the good things that happen in your daily life and those that matter to you. Everything from the peaceful drive to and from work, the pat on the back by your boss, and when your basement didn’t flood after a heavy downpour should go into the journal. Watch as the pages accumulate, and read them aloud whenever you have a rough day.
- Express gratitude to your spouse/partner: Learn to thank your partner for every little thing they do and for being in your life. This will go a long way in affirming your relationship hence unbreakable trust and intimacy.
- Calm your temper with a quick gratitude inventory: Has someone wronged you or angry with your partner, friend, or co-worker? Don’t lash out at them just yet; take a few seconds, or minutes, of your time to appreciate the things you are thankful for at that very moment. This could be good health, clean, fresh air, or even tax relief. Deviating your anger to positive vibes can help avert conflict or saying things you’d regret afterward.
- Appreciate Yourself: It is through self-appreciation that you’ll indeed be thankful for everything around you. A simple treat, such as a healthy, hearty meal or a restful night, is enough gratitude for your body and soul.
- Send out good vibes on social media: Are you always on your phone or computer browsing through the internet or social media? You can use the power of the internet to spread out love and gratitude. All you need is to send or upload inspiring content on your Facebook profiles and send a tweet of the same. Make a habit of making a positive comment on your friend’s posts too. This shows you care for them.
- Enjoy the good moments: Learn to savor all the good moments you have. Stop whatever you are doing whenever feeling exceptionally happy, and take note of how it feels and the sensations in your body as well. Doing so allows you to relive the moment once again, especially when trying to inspire gratitude to others.
- See positives in everything: Every condition or situation you might be in has a silver lining. You only need to be keen enough to see it. Making a mistake, for example, creates an opportunity to learn, while sickness draws friends and family closer. Look beyond the challenges you might be having now and give thanks.
- Look beyond yourself: Many of us tend to get caught up in our narratives and hardly ever see what others see in us. Experts, however, recommend focusing outwards rather than inwards. It is the empathy for others that will enable you to be appreciative of whatever you have.
- Change your perspective: Most people hardly ever see a reason to be thankful for. Putting yourself in someone else’s should might, however, give you a different perspective. Put yourself in the shoes of a friend, a family member, or even a stranger with a terminal health condition. Seeing life in their eyes while you are in good health will enable you not to take everything for granted.
