The power of gratitude is REAL! Neuroscientists have proven that a regular expression of gratitude changes the structure of the brain. Even just trying to think of things to be thankful for will increase your levels of serotonin, which is a chemical in your brain that is linked to feeling happy. This is empowering information! The more you practice gratitude, the more things you discover to be grateful for and the happier you will feel. It's that simple! Also, when you practice gratitude in front of your kids, they will see and feel your gratitude and this is the best way to teach our children. Gratitude is like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets. So let's all get busy strengthening that gratitude muscle! How can we do this? Here are some suggestions:
1. Write about it!
Writing about what you are thankful for. It can be small or big. Create a Journal of Abundance and write about all that you are lucky to have. Write notes of appreciation to your husband, mom, friend, and even yourself!
2. Treat someone!
Treat a friend to coffee for helping out with your kids or give a gift to a neighbor for helping you water your plants while you were out of town. Being generous while being grateful will be great workout for your gratitude muscle!
3. Gratitude Meditation-Be grateful for you!
Close your eyes and bring attention to your body and say thank you to different parts of your body for keeping you healthy and alive. You can say "Thank you lungs for consistently helping me breathe" and "Thank you eyes for letting me see."
You can also create a mantra of thanks such as, "Thank you God for giving me this new day." and say it to yourself while you meditate.
4. Dinner Blessings
Create a habit to share blessings with your family at dinner time. Have your children participate by sharing three blessings of the day. It will shock you when your children actually start wanting to do this! They need this daily dose of positivity and so do you!
5. Create a Gratitude Jar
This can be a box or a jar where you and your family write notes of gratitude to each other. At the end of the week, take the notes out and read them over breakfast or dinner. What a great way to show appreciation!
There are many ways to practice gratitude. Find what works for you and stay consistent! We can all get off track sometimes and that is okay. The most important thing is that you never give up on what you desire to bring into your life. If you want to feel more grateful and therefore happier in life, then keep working at it until it becomes a habit. Habits are hard to break so form habits that serve your highest good!
Happy gratitude muscle flexing!
~Sharon