Let's face it, life has a way of moving so fast we often don't take the time to appreciate the little things. It doesn't help that there is so much conflict in the world. With on-going wars, rising inflation, global warming, gun violence, a dysfunctional political climate and so many other issues, it is easy to feel completely overwhelmed and defeated.
While we cannot control what is going on around us, we can take small steps to feel more grateful for what we already have in our lives. Here are a few steps to help you develop an attitude of gratitude:
Keep a daily gratitude journal. It can be one different word you write down daily. Acknowledging little things - a hot cup of coffee, a warm coat, the smile of a stranger.
Volunteer for an animal shelter.
Serve a meal at a homeless shelter.
Send your children or parents a love letter, thanking them for enriching your life.
Hand write a thank you note to someone who helped you.
Write down any failures, losses, frustrations you have, then burn what you've written. Let it all go and focus on your resiliency.
Write a positive review to a business or product you love and support.
Do one random act of kindness a day. It feels good to give. When you focus on others and less on your own problems, you create a more empathetic world.
Teach your children kindness toward others at an early age. Get them in the habit of saying "please" and "thank you".
Take a walk in nature and really take a close look at what you see around you - stop and appreciate the sights and sounds.
Meditate and recognize that you have a purpose here on earth and that you are enough just the way you are.
Listen to another human being without judgement. Understand that we don't walk in another person's shoes and sometimes people just want to be heard.
It takes mindfulness to stop and be grateful. Practice being grateful and your heart will be more at peace.
"There is calmness to a life lived in gratitude, a quiet joy."
Ralph H. Blum