Gratitude: noun
the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
“she expressed her gratitude to the committee for their support”
Sounds so simple right? It seems like something that should just live in us, something we should not have to talk about at all. Well, here we are because for some reason we are all not wired the same. I have come across so many people who do not see the need to show gratitude, a simple thank you will not depart from their lips, they would rather die.
Gratitude can be heard, it can be seen and it can be felt, surely one has to fall into one of these categories. If you find that the people around you have stopped extending a hand to you then chances are you have not shown gratitude in the past.
Keep in mind that gratitude isn’t for other people only, you need to show yourself gratitude. Be thankful to yourself for all you are, all you can do, and all you have done for yourself and other people.
HOW TO SHOW GRATITUDE:
Say thank you – this is the most common way and the easiest way to show gratitude. Practice saying thank you for the smallest of things, like someone fetching you water and you will find that it will become easier for you to say.
Give – a gift for appreciation says a lot. Reached a goal, gift yourself, surely you deserve it! (Read more on why it is ok to treat yourself)
Smile – if words fail you, then show it with a smile, smiles are contagious so go ahead and spread them.
Write a note – or a letter, whichever works for you. I find notes to be so amazing because they last longer. Works for people who struggle with point number 1 too. Daily gratitude to yourself and life by keeping a gratitude journal.
Be present – be with the people that are around you, clear your mind, and connect with them. Be present in your life too.
When you show gratitude this is what happens:
Your relationships improve – when the gratitude is present from both parties the connection between the two becomes stronger. Not forgetting the happiness.
Gives you peace of mind – when you react positively the person/people around you also react positively. Positive energy feeds into your mind.
It makes you happier – concentrating on more the positive things in your life makes you appreciate ore. That sense of appreciation translates to happiness.
Improves productivity and performance – this happens naturally when one is happy and the people around them are happy too. When you are grateful then you will find that you are more focused which brings better results.
Reduces inner fears – because you are grateful and your life is revolving around positivity, you tend to be more optimistic about life. You live in a state of abundance and therefore it wipes away the fear especially that of lack.
When you show yourself gratitude you can easily show it to others so I guess we need to start with being kind to yourself. Try the gratitude journal, it doesn’t have to be daily, make it a weekly thing. Let’s do this happy life thing ladies and gentlemen.
How do you show gratitude?