When the frustrations of life get you down, it's important to remember those things for which you are grateful.
Suggestions on how to practice gratitude:
1. Make a gratitude list daily. This is a good daily reminder of all the things big and small for which you are grateful. Doing a list daily reinforces the practice of gratitude.
2. Remember the hard times. It's important to remember the hard times in your life and to remember that you have survived these times. You can reflect on how much better things are now that those times have passed. This helps you to focus on gratitude.
3. Focus on your five senses. See, smell, taste, hear, and feel the world around you. It can help you to gain an appreciation of your environment. The ability to sense the world around you is something that is nothing short of miraculous.
4. Make a promise to yourself to practice gratitude. Setting intentions is a powerful way to shift your perspective. Put a post-it note somewhere, maybe on your bathroom mirror, that says, "I promise to practice gratitude today." A reminder can be helpful.
5. Watch what you say. If you are saying things that are negative, it's likely you aren't focused on gratitude. Focus on and use language that cultivate gratitude.
6. Fake it 'til you make it. Sometimes the clouds of doom roll in and won't leave and it can feel impossible to practice gratitude. At times like these, you can fake it. Pretend to be grateful. Smile more. Say, "Thank you," more. Acting in ways that show gratitude can cultivate an attitude of gratitude.
7. Get creative. Even in the darkest of times, and the most difficult of circumstances, you can find things for which to be grateful. Maybe you can be grateful that things aren't worse. Maybe you can be grateful you woke up today.
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