Gratitude is a practice.
Meaning, it takes practice. And the more you practice, your brain begins to recognize the goodness in things that we often ignore. The more you see the goodness, the more grateful you feel.
And what does gratitude proceed? Joy.
I encourage you to find some moments to practice gratitude more often. To get you started, here are four ways I'm rewiring my brain to practice gratitude:
Start a gratitude note
If you are like me, you always have your phone. And if you are like me, practicing gratitude is needed not in the times you have a journal. So, start a note on your phone—“I am grateful for…“—Once a day, hop in there and jot a few down.
Talk about it
Whether at the dinner table or out with friends it may be awkward (but awkward leads to ah-ha) Ask the simple question—what are you feeling grateful for right now?
Write a thank you note
A joy shared is a joy doubled. When you write a message of gratitude, it brings joy to you and another.
Read about it
The research proves it:
Gratitude has been found to be beneficially associated with social well-being, emotional well-being, and psychological well-being (Jans-Beken et al., 2020). It is no surprise that the trait of gratitude is an important “predictor of well-being and other desirable life outcomes” (Portocarrero et al., 2020, p. 6). Read more.
The Bible shares it:
“I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.” —Philippians 4:12-13 HCSB
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