Unconventional Gratitude
Unconventional Gratitude
Are you a person who likes to journal? I am, but I know many are not, it’s a source of stuckness or too much effort and feeling gratitude shouldn’t be forced to get the positive effects. There are huge benefits to your health and wellbeing if you develop a regular practice of gratitude, it’s a positive “spiritual” connection we all should make time for.
Here are some unconventional ideas to convey, think about and practice gratitude.
Take a picture every day of something that you were grateful for and create a “journal” of images?
How about a quick video? A voice memo?
Try writing yourself or a loved one a letter of gratitude. What a nice surprise it could be for someone to receive something like that in the mail!
Take 15 minutes before bed to think of 3 things you are grateful for. Think of things that brought you unexpected happiness today or what about considering the most interesting thing you learned today?
Make it a practice to notice the “good things”. We tend to focus more on the bad or negative things that happen to us or around us each day so it may be a challenge to notice the good, but try to at least give equal air time throughout your day.
Slow down a little and savor the taste of a treat, a really good meal or an experience you’re having. Think of each of your senses, how you’re feeling and absorb the moment.
Try a gratitude jar. Place little notes in a jar that hold reminders and memories that you can reflect on to boost your mood or help you center yourself when you’re stressed.
Find reasons to say thank you, show gratitude to others for the big, the small and the silly things.
Throw something out on your social media posts about things you’re grateful for, ask your friends to comment and post what they are grateful for too!
How are you practicing gratitude? When I take the time each evening to reflect on my day, I can always come up with at least 3 things that I am grateful for. It took some practice because my brain only wants to recognize epic things but when I allow myself to really appreciate the small things it becomes easier. The benefit in doing it right before bed for me, is that I sleep better, any of the residual anxiety from my day fades away and my sleep cycle starts on a happy note.
I am grateful for you, for your support, for reading my blog/newsletter, for commenting on my social posts, for sending me notes telling me that something I wrote or said helped you in some way! 💜
Be kind to yourself this week!
Chris
