How to Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude

Life is hard. Some days are just really tough. You wake up every day with the intention that it’s going to be a good day. But then, you spill your morning coffee, you’re running late and there’s bad traffic. Or maybe your day started off great and by lunch you found out disappointing news. Or perhaps even just one small thing can put your mood in a funk. And that funk can last for a week.

Changing your perspective and outlook can make a world of difference. Even one tiny shift in your thoughts can have a huge impact. Recognizing all the ways your life is blessed, retains your thinking. It’s so easy to complain, compare and covet when thankfulness ins’t practiced daily. It’s so easy to become focused on what we don’t have instead of what we do have. Practicing thankfulness daily shields you from negativity, eliminates stress, heals, boosts self-esteem and improves relationships.

Here is how I try to cultivate an attitude of gratitude on a daily basis:

1. Eat breakfast

I never used to be a breakfast eater. But now I love starting the morning with a fresh bowl of fruit and some hot tea as I write my goals for the day.

2. Spend time in nature

Going for a walk outside everyday helps me appreciate the beautiful state I live in. It’s my time I talk to God and thank him for everything he has given me.

3. Love on animals

Aren’t pets just the best?! They are a huge stress reliever. I love snuggling with them and I love when they give me hugs and wet kisses.

4. Drink plenty of water

Water helps keep my hydrated and thinking clearly. It’s also give me a quick 5 min break to stretch so I can get back to focusing on my goals.

5. Listen to music

Music is amazing food for the soul. It get me motivated, inspired and moving.

6. Go to bed by 10pm

This is a new important one for me. I never used to get enough sleep because it would make me feel lazy that I wasn’t getting enough things done. But now, I go to bed at 10pm at wake up at 6am for a healthy 8 hours of rest.

7. Take myself out

I’m a very independent woman. So I appreciate the solitude of a quiet coffee shop and a good book to rejuvenate.

8. Add a note of thankfulness to my gratitude jar

At the end of each day, I look back on the day and find something good. Every day may not be good, but there is something GOOD in every day!

 

Practicing each of these things daily makes me feel so much better! It makes me happy to do each of these things daily so I can cultivate and attitude of gratitude!

How do you cultivate an attitude of gratitude?!