Several years ago I began using Danielle LaPorte’s Desire Map daily planner. Her planners contain a daily prompt to list three things for which we’re grateful. I’m happy to say that practicing gratitude has become a daily habit.
Gratitude is a wonderful way to stay present and focus on the people and things in our lives for which we are thankful. And given the wild ride that 2020 has been, choosing to see the good, and all there is to be grateful for, is more important than ever.
It’s important to acknowledge the many challenges we’ve faced this year but also to find many things to be grateful for. It might take a bit of reminding to cultivate a gratitude practice, but over time, it can become a natural part of our day—even a way to recharge and fill our cups again. Studies show that if we practice something for 22 days it becomes habit.
As busy women, we often find ourselves going, going, going. But when we can take a moment to stop and appreciate the special people in our lives, our homes and how they serve us, and the small things in life, we get a chance to slow down and bask in gratitude.
Studies show us that people who feel grateful are happier and more satisfied. They also sleep better, have less pain and tend to have stronger immune systems. In 22 days (how long it takes to make a new habit) you can be happier and healthier, too!
The anatomy of gratitude
The practice of gratitude consists of three parts – recognizing what we’re grateful for, acknowledging it, and then taking action by showing our appreciation with thoughts, words, or actions.
Put it on paper
Write it down! Keep a gratitude journal or a daily list of what you’re thankful for. Post your daily gratitude list in a place where you’ll see it often as a positive reminder throughout the day. {Download our Cultivating Gratitude Guide}
Pay attention
Continue to look for things throughout the day to be thankful for. The more you develop this practice, the easier it becomes. This leads to more positive emotions and improves psychological health.
Repeat it
Incorporate thoughts of gratitude into your daily prayer or meditation. This is such a powerful way to think about those things that bring us joy and to take a moment to truly recognize and reflect on them.
So, take a moment to think about what you’re grateful for this year and download our ‘Cultivating Gratitude‘ guide to help you establish this affirming new practice.
With gratitude,
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