How Can I Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude?

Happy World Gratitude day!

Yvonne here, confidence coach - and of course, you knew all those things.

But you know what you may not have known? How much we discount the good in our lives to focus on what we lack, what is missing, and what we could have more of.

Well in honor of today's holiday, I am bringing back a post I originally wrote during May (Mental Health Awareness month) about cultivating an attitude of gratitude.

Now, some people might think this is easy. But I can tell you, anything that you aren't doing consistently on your own is going to take intentional, repeated practice before you've gotten it hard-wired into your daily routine.

Never fear - I'm here to help.

But before we jump into HOW, let's talk about WHY...

So why bother with this "attitude of gratitude?" Is this one of those mindfulness-crystal-chakra-alignedwithyourthirdeye practices?

Not exactly, though there are established links between gratitude and meditation, that's not where I intend to go on this trip. I want to give you the proven science behind practicing gratitude.

According to a litany of sources (the Greater Good Science Center, Forbes, Healthline, Psychology Today...I think you see where I'm going with this one), there are *many* reasons why you should practice gratitude. Here are a few that stuck out for me:

1. Gratitude improves your overall mental and physical health.

When you take the time to reflect on the things that enrich your life, you feel better about the general trajectory of your life. Your mental and physical health are directly affected because you are less likely to be consumed with worries about what may not even happen because you appreciate what you have.

2. Gratitude improves our relationships with others.

I'm sure you've heard the term, "Give your people their flowers while they're here." That's right. Appreciate and honor those in your life that make it worth living. Let your people know how much they matter to you, how your life is impacted by their presence, seek out their guidance and advice for the things you know they are GREAT at. When you know the value that others bring to your life and express it, the people in your life are more likely to express that same love and support in return.

3. Gratitude can improve the quality and amount of sleep you get.

I don't know about you, but nothing gets me in a better mood than thinking about how blessed I am. To see another day. To get another chance to get it right. To enjoy a warm breeze or a loud thunderstorm. And when my mood is up, and I'm feeling good about life, I go to sleep easier. I am restless when I am anxious and worried. Gratitude keeps me out of that mind state.

4. Gratitude improves your self-esteem.

As a confidence coach, this one is THE MOST important to me. In fact, it's one of the things I focus on in all of my client work - one-on-one or group. What are you grateful for? What went well today? And when you reflect on the good, you start thinking, "Damn...I really did make that happen. I am more capable/intelligent/gifted/creative than I thought." It's like a domino effect. And over time, the more you focus on gratitude, the better your self-esteem/confidence will be.

Now you may be saying, "Okay Yvonne, I get it. Gratitude is great. But what can I do to get in my day-to-day that feels authentic and not forced?"

Again, have no fearrrrrr! I've got *six* ways that I practice gratitude that you can start adopting in your own routine. And I don't use all of these all the time, just where they fit/feel appropriate:

1. BE PRESENT.

I don't think this needs any explanation - stop being distracted and focus on what is happening to you in the moment. Appreciate everything that teaches you, uplifts you, and supports you.

2. EXPRESS YOURSELF.

Like I said earlier, give your people their flowers TODAY. Express your gratitude, let them know you care and WHY you care. Also, there is nothing wrong with engaging with others along the spectrum of human emotion. Be real, be you.

3. WRITE A GRATITUDE LETTER.

Take it one step further and express yourself in writing - extra points for handwritten notes! 😂

4. SPEND TIME WITH LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE.

Misery loves company, so don't give it the time of day. Avoid getting trapped in a relationship - romantic or platonic - where the love an gratitude is one-sided. You will need your cup filled just as other people do. Spending time with others that pick up what you're putting down is the ultimate win. Create your tribe.

5. KEEP A JOURNAL.

Write down one to three things you are grateful for, every day. Looking back over your entries will give a sense of peace and connection with your life, as it unfolds.

6. CREATE A DAILY GRATITUDE PRACTICE.

Do something every day that helps you focus on what you can be thankful for. It will become like second nature to think in terms of appreciation and gratitude and will boost your spirits automatically.

So that's it!

My why and how for cultivating an attitude of gratitude.

I hope you take this information and recommendations to heart, because life is too short to be consumed by lack, anxiety and worry. Practice gratitude each and every day, and after a week, observe what changes occurred. Report back, because I'd love to hear what you've found. And as always, comment below with your favorite gratitude practice - there are so many that I know I can always find more to add to the arsenal!

Until next time!

Yvonne