Practicing daily gratitude, for many of us, is one of those things we know is good to do, but somehow always forget to actually do. For those who do practice it, daily gratitude provides excellent mental health and wellbeing benefits. We all have a tremendous amount to be grateful for, even if it’s hard to see sometimes. So, why not start reminding ourselves? I adopted a habit of daily gratitude several years ago and have never looked back!
Daily Gratitude
“The secret to having it all is knowing you already do”
Is your internal dialogue full of statements similar to the ones below?
“I wish I had _____”
“I really want _____”
“If only I had _____ I would be so happy!”
Too often, those blanks are filled with material things.
Even though we’ve all heard, “there’s more to life than things,” we somehow still revert to material wants and desires – believing they bring happiness. This persistent internal dialogue is harmful to our wellbeing and reinforces the belief that happiness comes from a store.
By introducing a practice of daily gratitude, you can shift that internal dialogue away from one of wants and desires to one of recognition and appreciation. Inevitably contributing to a happier life and a happier you!
“What if happiness, he thought… doesn’t come from a store?
What if happiness…perhaps…comes from something a little bit more?”
What is gratitude?
Here are some ways gratitude is defined:
- The quality of being thankful
- Readiness to show appreciation for
- To return kindness
- Conscious and appreciative of benefits received
- Affording pleasure or contentment
- Thankfulness
Why is gratitude important?
There’s an abundance of information out there on the benefits of practicing daily gratitude. Some of these benefits are rooted in science (psychology), some from individual experience, and others a matter of opinion. And then, there’s the ‘suggested’ benefits rooted in some esoteric mysticism. Which, in my opinion, are the worst!
To be fully transparent, I am not going to falsely represent myself as an expert in any matter, aside from those of myself and my own experiences. One of the most frustrating things to find online are articles claiming some, “scientifically proven ____ “only to click through and not find a single scientific source, study or citation.
From my experience, here’s why I believe gratitude is important…
Cornerstone to a Humble and Free Life
Gratitude is at the heart of the Humble and Free life we strive to live. The expression of gratitude is a step towards humility, and doing so makes us more conscious of all the good that’s in our life. When gratitude becomes a habit, gratitude flows in the direction of what makes you happy. It doesn’t take long to recognize what you’re most grateful for aren’t material goods. In this way, gratitude free’s us from the suffering, discontentment, and envy caused by our frivolous wants and desires.
You may be thinking… “but I’m SO grateful for my new car!”
You may be, and that’s great! But, are you really grateful for that car? Or, is it the freedom and mobility that car brings that you’re truly thankful for? Or, for the fact, you earned enough money to buy that car?
Promotes Positive Thinking
Over time, a habit of daily gratitude will change the way you think of and perceive the world around you. Practicing daily gratitude introduces a pattern of more positive thinking. You’ll be retraining your mind to recognize things to be thankful for rather than focussing on perceived deficits. A deficit mindset is a negative one and can lead to unhappiness.
Daily gratitude brings more into your life to be grateful for!
Introducing a practice of daily gratitude will work like a snowball rolling down a hill. Instead of collecting snow, though, you’ll be collecting more and more reasons to express gratitude. This could be because you’ve just opened your eyes a bit wider or, possibly because your change in mindset is now attracting more positive energy into your life.
Sharing gratitude deepens your connection with others.
There is an old saying that “misery loves company,” but it’s never the right kind of company. For some reason, people love to share problems, complaints, and dissatisfaction. Instead of doing that though, try sharing gratitude! It will change the conversation you have with others and help form deeper connections.
What others are saying about the importance of gratitude
From Psychology Today here’s an article touting the “7 Scientifically Proven Benefits of Gratitude.”
Here is another article that makes some excellent points in sharing their “29 Scientifically Proven Benefits of Gratitude.”
How to practice daily gratitude?
(1) Morning Gratitude
The first words I write down every morning are, “Today I am grateful for…”
Several years ago, I made the commitment to observe at least one thing every day that I’m grateful for. I choose to start my day with gratitude, and doing so begins every new day in a positive way.
(2) Gratitude Group
An excellent way of developing your own daily gratitude practice is by secretly recruiting others to join you. Choose a relative, loved one, or close friend and make it a point to ask them what they are grateful for regularly. After they respond with their gratitude, I bet they’ll turn the question back at you.
It’s like a gratitude loop! This type of practice is one that not only reinforces gratitude in your life but will help someone to practice it in theirs.
(3) Gratitude Notes
Each day, write something you’re grateful for and leave somewhere others can see. This could be in your own home, a sticky note on the bathroom mirror, a note on the fridge, or a whiteboard.
At work, you can have a space on your desk clearly visible to all or anonymously leave a note behind next to the coffee machine, in the bathroom, or on the conference room desk.
Social media is another phenomenal outlet to share your gratitude as well!
(4) Before a meal
It’s no coincidence prayer before meals is also referred to as giving thanks. Nourishment is something easily taken for granted and only truly appreciated by those who have ever gone to bed on an empty stomach. If you’re not the type of person to pray before meals, no worries. This isn’t prayer, just a moment to set aside and share out loud with others something you are grateful for.
You may be wondering… “But, what should I be grateful for?
This part is for you to decide. However, allow me to offer some encouragement by saying simply… anything you want!
It can be for time spent with your family, finally solving a problem at work, achieving a fitness goal, finding some time to read, etc…
Try not to overthink it, second guess yourself, or allow yourself to feel something isn’t worthy of gratitude. There is nothing too small or insignificant to be thankful for, that is the beauty of gratitude!
To set you at ease, here are some strange and sometimes silly things I’ve expressed gratitude for…
- the sound of birds
- the smell of coffee
- the comfort of my slippers
- the joy of a good cannoli
The first week or so of practicing daily gratitude may feel strange. Don’t let that dissuade you though, it’s just the ego adjusting to a new way of doing things.
Your Daily Gratitude
How will you incorporate gratitude into your daily routine?
We strongly encourage that you give it a try! The benefits are worth it!
Why not start right now?
Today I am grateful for… !
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I absolutely love this!! Practicing daily gratitude has shifted so many things in my life! 🙏🏼💚 I have a gratitude journal that has a “morning meditation” page and then an “Evening reflection” page! I love it.
It’s pretty remarkable how something so simple can have such a big impact on our life. Yay for journals!!! Thanks for reading!
Beautiful!! I am grateful everyday for my many blessing.
We’re Grateful for Momma-T! 🙂
Practicing gratitude can be so helpful to our daily mindset and it’s so easy to forget the little things that you should be great full for! Thanks for this reminder to practice daily!