Are you having a hard time not sweating the small stuff? Its easy to get caught up in the little road blocks life puts in our way, but rather than dwelling on that which we don’t want, why not try focusing on all that you love? Cultivating an attitude of gratitude can redirect your attention to all the ways that life is on your side, so that you are calmer, cooler, and more collected in dealing with the rest.
Try these easy ways to bring a practice of gratitude into your routine:
1. Gratitude Journaling. Take a moment at the start or end of each day to consciously take inventory for some of the things that make your world go ’round. The best part of long-term practice is that you’ll have a gratitude catalogue to look back on and recall the happiest memories of various times in your life.
2. Get a gratitude buddy. Having someone to whom you are held accountable will ensure your head won’t hit the pillow without having given some thanks where thanks are due. Arrange with a friend or colleague to check in with one another at the end of the work day or before bed with a quick gratitude highlight of the day.
3. When in doubt, get the app. Yes, there is even a gratitude app for iPhones. It provides motivating themes to keep you looking to be thankful in the least expected places. You can even attach a photo to make your gratitude worth a thousand words.
Saying thank you is one of the most powerful things we can do. Let it start to work its magic on you.