As we get into a new month, let’s reflect on Gratitude.
Most often, we find ourselves complaining about things happening around us or the people we interact
with. This only results in negative energy in our lives. People often complain about commodity prices,
the government, their spouses, children, employers, employees and much more. Complaining blinds our
eyes from so much good happening in our lives. It’s a habit that must change for one to realize true
happiness in our lives.
I was a chronic complainer until I learnt the art of living a life of gratitude. I would always find a reason
to complain. My focus would often be on negative events in my life. That made me vibrate in high
frequencies of negative energy.
Once I became aware of this, I determined to change. That brought lots
of joy and happiness in my life. We all can change once we make a firm decision to do so.
WHAT IS GRATITUDE?
Gratitude is often described as the heartfelt appreciation for the positive aspects of life. Gratitude holds
incredible power to reshape our perspectives and enhance our wellbeing.
Gratitude is more than an emotion. It involves recognizing and appreciating our blessings, both big and
small. It encompasses mindful awareness of abundance that surrounds us, fostering a positive outlook.
We will explore the importance of gratitude, explore its significance as a transformative lifestyle and
discover practical ways to inculcate it into our daily habits.
WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF DEVELOPING A LIFESTYLE OF GRATITUDE?
Embracing gratitude as a lifestyle goes beyond occasional moments of thankfulness. It becomes a
guiding principle that shapes or interactions, responses to challenges and our overall approach to life.
Once we cultivate gratitude consistently, it acts as a powerful force that positively influences our mental health, relationships and personal growth – Coach Blessed Abby
Adopting gratitude as a lifestyle extends its impact beyond our personal space. It creates a ripple effect
that can transform communities, workplaces, and families creating environments that reflect positivity,
empathy and great collaboration.
Gratitude also creates a great bonding glue in relationships. It is possible to transform a falling marriage
to a thriving one just by spouses cultivating the habit of being grateful towards each other. Gratitude
creates positive and supportive environments. It becomes a language that deepens connections,
enhances understanding, encourages empathy and build resilient bonds.
Gratitude helps one to see what there is instead of what is missing.
Gratitude turns what we have into enough and more.
Gratitude helps us to make sense of our past, embrace our present and have hope for our
future.
Gratitude brings peace
Gratitude can soothe during a stressful situation
Gratitude helps to reprogram our mind from complaining patterns.
Gratitude sets us in high vibration us to attract what we want
WHAT ARE THE HINDERANCES TO CREATING A LIFESTYLE OF GRATITUDE
Feelings of entitlement
Loss and trauma
Comparing ourselves to others
Materialism
Stress and anxiety
Negative thinking
Lack of mindfulness
Lack of awareness
Busyness
HOW CAN WE DEVELOP A LIFESTYLE OF GRATITUDE?
Cultivating gratitude as a lifestyle requires us to be very intentional about it. It’s a habit that can be
developed with intention and consistent practice.
The following steps can help you develop this habit:
Gratitude journaling – It’s important to set aside a few minutes each day to jot down things you
are grateful for. I recommend doing this first thing in the morning when you wake up and last in
the evening before you sleep. This is a simple act that can help you focus on the positive aspects
of your life.
Express appreciation – Make it a habit to express gratitude to others. Sending a sincere thank-
you note, a kind word and acknowledging the contributions of people around you can
strengthen connections
Practice mindful reflection – Take moments throughout the day to reflect on the positive
experiences, no matter how small. Mindfulness is a practice that can shift four focus towards
gratitude
In conclusion, gratitude as a lifestyle is a choice that holds the potential to transform our lives and the
lives of those around us. By understanding the essence of gratitude, recognizing it as a guiding principle
and actively and consistently incorporating it into our daily routines, we can harness its transformative
power. Let’s determine to embrace this as a habit and experience the profound joy and connections it
brings to our lives.
