How to Be More Grateful
Every day, I think about gratitude and about how I should try to be more grateful in my life. And every day, it’s a struggle.
When there are so many reasons to want more in our lives, it’s hard to be happy for what we already have. Here are five ways to help you do just that — be happy for what you do have, even if life doesn’t always seem so wonderful at all times.
Stop and Smell the Roses
Okay, so they don't have to be roses. But they should be flowers. Stopping to smell a flower is one of the simplest, most basic things we can do to tap into our inner gratitude. Our sense of smell is powerful, and combining that with a moment of pause is - truly - revolutionary.
Look at the Clouds
Being grateful is about taking time to stop and pause. Looking at the clouds is a perfect way to do just that. It may sound silly -- a bit childish, no doubt - but take a moment and lie down on a spot of grass. Look up, and see what you see around you. Whether you try to find hidden shapes in the blue or just drift away, the act of taking this moment is important to create more gratitude.
Notice the Small Things
A lot of being more grateful is in taking time to see things around you, and small things are better than anything else at making this happen. Take a ladybug, say. A small, tiny thing we often ignore. See it. Now really LOOK at it. You'll be more grateful.
Take Time with Those You Love
It may seem obvious, but that doesn't mean you're remembering to do it. When our lives are busy as busy can be, we often neglect the most powerful asset we have to feeling better on a daily basis - our family and friends. Take time with someone you love today.
Furry Friends
If you have pets, you likely already know how important they are to your well-being. Remind yourself of this when you're not feeling as grateful as you could be, and take time to spend with one of your furry friends. If you don't have a pet, that's okay. Pet a dog you see in passing in your building. Snuggle with one in the park. Be near an animal to be more grateful of our world.
Do you do any of these to become more grateful? If not, what do you do?
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For more from Claire, read her free ebook on developing a morning routine, check out her blog, follow her on LinkedIn, or find her on the Twitters via @claire.
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Photo: Claire Diaz-Ortiz
Construction Project Manager at Verra Mobility (Formally American Traffic Solutions)
10 年Baris makes a good point, first some may need to seperate themselves from the hip of social media a bit, maybe then we can become a little more grateful for the things we take for granted. Hard to look at a lady bug when you have your face buried in an iphone all day.
Founder ° fabritech
10 年and stay away from social networks..
Self Employed
10 年It is all too easy to get bogged down with stuff. So reading your article took me to a good place. We don't need stuff, just a few moments to gather ourselves and as you say, appreciate what we have around us. I count myself very lucky in so many ways. Walking my dog everyday is one of the most beautiful parts of my life and I'm grateful for him so much. Thank you for a piece of writing that was enjoyable to read. Best wishes
Software Quality Control Engineer
10 年Thank you
Award Winning Film and TV producer | Investor | Generative Al | Entertainment-technology | Media Advisor | Strategic Consulting | Brand Partnerships | Ventures | Problem Solver | Innovative Business Leader
10 年Thank you