“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”
― Epicurus
It’s often easy to feel frustrated and complain when things don’t go the way you expected to be, rather than see the good in each experience. AND it probably does not help when someone adds in the classic expression, “Well…look at the bright side”. We have all probably been on both sides of this situation one way or another. As annoying as it can be when you are being told to look for the positive in every situation regardless of what it may be…it’s one of the greatest things you can do for yourself in any circumstance.
If you stop and really dive deep into it…there is ALWAYS something you can be grateful for in every situation no matter how dire it is. It may be hard to spot right in that moment, but as time gives you will eventually see it.
This is what GRATITUDE simply is.
Gratitude is the practice of seeing all that is good in your life as they are right now and being thankful for it. Studies have shown practicing gratitude gives way for the development of new neural and strengthens positive pathways in the brain. The exercise of gratitude is also responsible for the brain to release dopamine and serotonin, which are crucial for our emotions. There are numerous mental and physical health benefits which makes it all the more to start each day with it.
Benefits of practicing gratitude every day:
- Improves sleep and mood.
- Improves immunity, while decreasing depression, anxiety and stress.
- Increases feelings of pleasure and overall well being.
- Increases hope, satisfaction and optimism.
- Helps you build and maintain relationships.
- Promotes a positive mindset by helping you focus on the positive aspects.
- Allows us to be aware of our thoughts and reflect on the good.
- Increases empathy and desire to help and support others.
- Decreases toxic emotions such as envy, resentment and regret.
Practicing gratitude does not have to be complicated…it is simply seeing the good in everyday life as you know. There are many things to be grateful for from the moment you are awake until you hit the bed. To get you started, I have listed 30 things you can start being thankful right now!
30 Things to be Thankful for:
- Life: to be awake and breathing.
- Air: allowing us to breath and live.
- Health and wellbeing: both physically and mentally.
- Family and friends: to be loved and to love.
- Sun: giving us light and warmth.
- Moon and stars: giving us light at night.
- Food: nourishing ourselves.
- Legs: to be able to walk, run and move around.
- Home: giving us shelter and safety.
- Bed: giving us comfort to sleep on.
- Laughter: setting us free and gives us pleasure.
- Work: giving us access to money and opportunities.
- Mind – allowing us to think, do and function.
- Money – giving us options.
- Hands: to be able to write, touch and feel.
- Water – quenching our thirst and keeping us clean.
- Education – giving us knowledge, skills and opportunities.
- Nature – giving us protection and beauty.
- Animals – giving us love and support.
- Transportation: allowing us to travel.
- Ears: to be able to hear and enjoy the sounds of life.
- Books: giving us an escape and increasing our knowledge.
- Mouth: to be able to speak, eat and taste.
- Art: giving us the chance to express ourselves.
- Technology: to be able to stay connected.
- Age: to be able to grow older.
- Eyes: to be able to see the world.
- Internet: to be able to communicate and learn across the world.
- Clothes: giving us comfort and warmth.
- Electricity: allowing us to live a convenient life.
CUP OF FINAL THOUGHTS ????
Imagine waking up one day and not having one of the simple things we take for granted each day…how would life look like then? We often wish for things and hope it goes back to “normal” once something disappears! I have said it before and I will say it again…the practice of GRATITUDE does not have to be complicated. There are many LITTLE things in our daily life which we ought to be thankful for.
All these little things which seem trivial are truly what allows us to function and live. The practice of gratitude is simply seeing all the good things in our life as they are and being thankful for it…because it’s always the little things in life ????
Hope you enjoyed the post and let me know in the comments what you are grateful for!
