An ‘attitude of gratitude’ is great! But, there is even more power in taking the time to specifically focus on what you are grateful for by keeping a journal.
The goal isn’t to have a notebook full of your declarations of gratitude, but rather to make gratitude a default feeling.

Scientists performed an experiment in which they asked one group of people to write down the things that they were grateful for on a weekly basis, while the other group recorded hassles or neutral life events.

The group who kept gratitude journals exercised more regularly, reported fewer physical symptoms, felt better about their lives as a whole, and were generally more optimistic about the upcoming week—compared to their negatively focused counterparts.”

According to researchers at Eastern Washington University, there are four primary characteristics of grateful people, and these are the ones that thank-you notes and a gratitude journal can help strengthen.

• Appreciate the contributions of others to their well-being

• Recognize and enjoy life’s small pleasures

• Acknowledge the importance of experiencing and expressing gratitude

 

An attitude of gratitude means making it a habit to express thankfulness and appreciation in all parts of your life, on a regular basis, for both the big and small things alike.

Gratitude also creates an abundance mindset.

An abundance mindset is a belief that there are enough resources and success in the world to share with others.

Have you ever noticed,

what you focus on is what you find?

By focusing on what you have, what you are grateful for and what you want MORE of, you will, in fact, find more of that!

Conversely, if you are constantly focused on what you don’t have, what you don’t want, what isn’t working, and what might be getting in your way or holding you back- you will find more of that.

Your brain will find evidence for whatever it is you choose to believe.

So, in an effort to create a happier healthier mindset- pay attention to where your thoughts tend to focus- on what you have and what you want– not what you don’t.

IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO START PRACTICING GRATITUDE

Psychologist and researcher Jeffrey Froh created and implemented a gratitude curriculum for kids aged 8 to 11. The youngsters who received the lessons showed an increase in grateful thinking, appreciation and positive emotions as compared to their classmates who did not partake.

The lessons had long-lasting effects, with differences between the two groups at their greatest five months after the program!!

Start Today: Lead by example and introduce the concept of gratitude to young people around you. At your next meal where kids are present, go around the table and say something that each person is thankful for.

Take time each morning for yourself to make a shortlist of things you are grateful for in a daily gratitude journal- starting your day off in the right mindset can affect your entire day!

xo

Jacqi