The Grateful Mind

Whether it’s a child being born or getting your dream job, it is likely that you have felt gratitude at some point in your life. Gratitude comes easily when something big happens, but often gets left behind in life’s small moments. We can probably all agree that it is easy to get pre-occupied with things like work meetings, taking the kids to soccer, and trying to find the energy to make it through our other daily tasks. As a result, being grateful is not a priority. Perhaps you forgot your coffee at home and the resulting headache is making you feel the exact opposite of grateful today. You are not alone (seriously, I forgot my coffee this morning).

The good news is that research suggests gratitude is consistently associated with greater happiness. By changing our attitudes, hopefully we can transform what is currently monotony and stress into gratitude and greater happiness. The more you practice gratitude, the more positive your life will become.

Ways to Cultivate Gratitude:

1. Write a thank you note
   

   Express your thanks with a handwritten thank you note for someone or yourself, and mean it.  There is a difference between a simple “thank you” and the genuine feeling of gratitude.

2. Keep a gratitude journal
   

   Each day, write down at least one, if not three things you are grateful for. Look through the entries from previous days to remind yourself of all the good in your life.

3. Meditate/Practice Mindfulness
   

   Mindfulness can allow you to focus on the moment and the things you are grateful for (example, making the time for yourself, your health, the warm sun).

4. Choose gratitude, even when things get tough
   

   This is when it matters most. Things may not be going well, but there is always something to be grateful for. If you continue to think positively, the negative thoughts will slowly dissipate. You will go from “I don’t have enough” to “I have so everything I need.”

This month, our talented team shares information about mindfulness in all aspects of your life. Take a minute to check out the articles below and take note of the Exercise of the Month to make sure you are getting a proper cool down after workouts!