What does gratitude mean to you?

Have you ever honestly stopped to think about that beyond the basic understanding of the word?

Gratitude is defined in the dictionary as the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. We all have access to this at any given point, but implementing gratitude is more than just an expression of thanks.

We’ve all heard the saying, “actions speak louder than words.”

This doesn’t just apply to external factors. To truly create a healthy atmosphere of gratitude, we must develop habits that encourage and allow this environment to be possible.

The decision to show gratitude should be consistent and conscientious. This isn’t a choice we make one time before moving on with our lives. This is an all-day, everyday pattern of thoughts and behaviors.

It is crucial to have a clear intent and desire to embrace what we have instead of focusing on what we don’t. It is so easy to get caught up in the vice of comparison, coveting the success or possessions of others around us. It is such a natural impulse that many individuals don’t even realize just how much they have fixated on the negative until well beyond the point of becoming miserable.

This thought process of “grass being greener on the other side” will never get you anywhere. Be motivated to work for your own sense of accomplishment and happiness, if that is what you desire, but stop wasting your energy on bitterness and jealousy.

It is also often difficult to express gratitude during times of hardship or grievance when you feel lost in the throes of despair. However, these times are arguably the most critical moments for you to take a deep breath, steady yourself, and begin exercising gratitude.

If you are struggling to figure out where to start, here are a few exercises you can practice:

1. Start your morning with gratitude As soon as you get out of bed, begin thinking of things you are grateful for. Try to come up with at least 10, even if some of them may seem minor or silly.
2. Journal Several studies show that a five-minute daily gratitude journal can significantly increase your long-term well-being. Be specific and go into detail. Instead of getting as many vague things written as possible, try to elaborate on a few particular things. The more specific you are, the more gratitude you’ll feel!
3. Think of things you take for granted Consider certain things you possess that you may not think about much, and imagine how you would feel if you no longer had them. Perhaps this might be a working car, your home, a certain loved one, etc. Then imagine how you’d feel getting these things back after losing them and how grateful you would be.
4. Avoid complaining Complaining keeps you in a negative mindset. Try to see how long you can go without complaining. Commit to an hour a day, a day a week, whatever you can manage, and keep your mind engaged in positive thinking.
5. Shift your perspective Things won’t always go your way. However, gratitude isn’t an emotion reserved for those moments when you get what you want. When things go wrong, you can use the power of gratitude to release some of the negative emotions that you may be feeling due to the failure or setback that you just experienced. Ask yourself what you can learn from the experience or what the benefits may be.
6. Take a walk Not only is this activity beneficial for you physically, but it is also an excellent opportunity to look at the world around you and notice its beauty.
7. Write thank-you notes Express your gratitude to people in your life, whether for things they have done for you or simply for existing and being present. It is essential to show people that they matter to you, and it never hurts to remind yourself of this either.
8. Recite gratitude affirmations Using specific gratitude affirmations is a powerful way to stir your subconscious mind towards a positive mindset so you can experience the benefits of gratitude consistently. You can use these during your gratitude walk or as a part of your morning routine. These affirmations could be along the lines of the following:
   • I am so grateful for discovering my power to create the life I want
   • My life is filled with abundance and bliss
   • Every day I see improvements in my life
   • I am thankful for learning and growing
   • The universe supports me and all my desires

As you begin developing these habits in your life, you will notice a change in your mindset and overall satisfaction.