Gratitude is a very important piece of life and especially manifesting. Getting this little bit in alignment, becoming intentional with your gratitude, helps everything else just fall into place. It’s so important to find gratitude everyday, not just on Thanksgiving.
It’s kind of funny how we change. When I was introduced to being intentional with my gratitude, I taught it and used it as an attitude, as something you project.
A while later, I had an “Aha” moment when I learned that gratitude is not just about the attitude you have, but it is something tangible; it is a practice and a state of being.
Gratitude is in being, not doing.
Did you just have an “Aha” moment too? I hope so!
How can I make gratitude tangible?
Gratitude is made tangible through daily practice. When you practice gratitude, a transformation takes place, and suddenly you go through your day looking for the ordinary things that you are grateful for.
Researcher Brene Brown, Ph.D., says “It is not joy that makes us grateful, but gratitude that makes us joyful.” Practicing gratitude and being in the state of gratitude means that every “problem” you encounter is not a problem, but an opportunity to learn and grow.
Ready to practice?
Start with yourself. Grab a journal or a piece of paper and at the end of each day spend a few minutes reflecting and write down three to five things you were thankful for that day. You can write down anything big or small. In a few weeks or days you will be expanding to 10 or more reasons each day you were grateful.
Be thankful out loud. Say “thank you” out loud even when no one is physically around to hear it. For example, every time I find a penny or a dollar on the ground, get a perfect parking spot, or find an opening in traffic, I give a smile and say “thank you” out loud (it actually happens quite often).
Receive gratitude. Too often we brush off compliments and gratitude that is directed at us. Someone says that we did a great job, we brush it off with “it was no big deal.” Someone thanks us for doing them a favor, we are quick to say “no worries!” Instead receive the gratitude, even mentally giving a simple, “I receive that.”
Now go forth with your new gratitude habits!