fancy”My life is exactly what it is meant to be”
5 Simple Ways to Express Gratitude And Have A Positive Mindset
If you struggle with anxiety or overwhelm, you may need to take steps that result in your appreciating the good things that exist in your life.
This can be done through expressing gratitude.
It may be necessary at times to be a bit forceful about this.
Acknowledging that even though you may not be feeling grateful, the reality of those good things still exist.
Here are some different ways you can express gratitude every day.
- Become an Active Listener
If you want to be more grateful of others and show your gratitude, be an active listener.
This means not just hearing what someone says, but really absorbing what they are telling you.
Don’t use your phone when someone is talking to you.
Look them in the eyes and take in what they are telling you.
This is active listening, and shows the other person that you care about what they have to say.
Avoid formulating a response when you are listening.
Instead, allow yourself to be curious and ask questions that will prompt the other person to share more with you.
This can help them open up and feel like you value what they have to say.
- Express Gratitude in Your Journal
One way many people like to show gratitude is by writing it down in their journal.
This is something you can do every day, by writing down at least one thing each day you are grateful for.
Some days will repeat, which is okay!
Other days, there will be a specific situation that you appreciate.
It is okay to just be grateful you woke up and have your health, that you have a job, or something as simple as eating one of your favorite things.
If all else fails, write about something you know you should feel grateful for. Over time those good feelings will come.
- Always Thank People Who Have Helped You
Remember to tell people when you are grateful for them.
Whether they have done something to help you, given you a compliment, or were just there for you is a good reason to show your appreciation.
A simple thank you is usually enough, but when someone goes above and beyond, really tell them how much you appreciate them.
Let them know that you are very thankful to have them in your life.
This little gesture means so much to the person receiving the gratitude.
Sending a simple note or email to someone who has uplifted you, even in a small way will boost both you and them!
- Create a Gratitude Jar
If you don’t want to write down all the reasons you are grateful in your journal, try creating a gratitude jar.
You can use small pieces of paper to write down one thing you are grateful for each day, fold it up, and put it in the jar.
This is a fun activity you can do with your family as well, helping everyone to be more grateful.
It is also a great gift for others. You can personalize an empty jar for them and give them paper and pens to use for the gratitude jar.
I start a gratitude jar every year.
On New Years Eve, we sit back and enjoy all the wonderful memories contained in that jar.
It adds a special, ceremonial feel to the holiday and is something we really look forward to!
- Volunteer to Help Others
You can also express your gratitude through your actions.
You don’t always have to be vocal about how much you appreciate someone else and how they have improved your life.
Volunteer your time to help them with a project, show up when they are going through a rough time, invite them to spend time with you.
When you go out of your way to be there for other people, they can feel your gratitude.
You can also express gratitude by ‘paying it forward’.
Sharing your good fortune with complete strangers can leave you feeling pretty darn great!
There are always ways to actively show gratitude. You can always make a list of ways to express gratitude and use the list when you are just ‘not feeling it’.
Brighten the world today by sharing one thing you are grateful for in the comments!
