How often are we told to “count our blessings?” Probably too often for us to take it seriously, right? It turns out that we should listen to that advice, because it’s good for us. When we “count our blessings,” we are being grateful; and being grateful, it has now been proven, makes us happier, healthier, and more successful.
Studies show that adults who are grateful are happier, sleep better, and have better outlooks on life. Children who are grateful get better grades, set higher goals for themselves, and are more satisfied with their lives, friends, family and school.
Gratitude can take many different forms. We can say thank you for a gift or a favor. We can appreciate the good things that happen in our lives. We can value the people and the comforts in our lives. We can look with awe at the beauty of the natural world all around us and marvel at the sunrise or sunset or spectacle of autumn colors.
Perhaps the most important thing is that we can learn to be more grateful by practicing. So stop to smell the flowers and appreciate them for a better tomorrow!
Tips to Become More Grateful
1. Keep a gratitude journal: write down 1 - 3 good things that happened during the day (be specific).
2. Use positive language: negative words reinforce negative thoughts, so use positive words about yourself and your life.
3. Stop to smell the flowers: pay attention to all of the little things that make you happy.
4. Go on a "gratitude visit:" write a letter or actually go visit and thank someone who has helped you.
5. Remember the good times: take pictures, make drawings, write stories about good things that happen to you collect them in scrapbooks that you can look at often.
6. Say thank you more often: simply saying thank you will make you more grateful!
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