It is mid-January already. Are you still on track with your New Year's resolutions?
There is so much scuttlebutt on the inter-webs about how to improve yourself and make 2018 your best year yet. I don't know about you, but I'm tired of thinking that I'm not good enough as I am right now.
My decision is not a just a resolve for the new year - it is a daily choice to increase my happiness through a consistent practice of gratitude. To feel grateful for what I have so that I can open my heart to more things to be grateful for.
This may sound like a bit of woo-woo nonsense, but there is a large body of scientific evidence to prove that the more you appreciate what you have, the happier you feel about your situation and yourself. This article explains that feelings of gratitude can improve many aspects of your life, such as your emotional health, your career growth and even the strength of your immune system.
There are tons of ways that you can increase your gratitude and one easy way is by writing in a gratitude journal. Pick a time of the day that is relaxing for you, such as in the morning or before you go to bed, and write down a few things that you are grateful for. The more specific, the better. As you do this more regularly, you will begin to notice more things throughout the day that you are grateful for, thereby further increasing your feelings of happiness. This creates a circle of gratitude and can truly change your outlook on life. Here are a few more ideas for you.
Once you get yourself feeling more grateful about everything you have (and everything you don't have), you can share this practice with your kids. The HuffPost had a great article with specific ideas on how to grow the gratitude of the younger set. As Andrea Reiser writes: "It’s human nature to see the glass half-empty from time to time — and children are no exception. When kids complain or gripe, it can be helpful to try to find a response that looks on the bright(er) side. It’s called an “attitude of gratitude” for a reason — it’s about perspective more than circumstance."
Wishing you a year filled with abundance, love, happiness and health. Cheers!
Comments