Cultivate an
Attitude of Gratitude
It’s the season to count our blessings and be thankful. Don’t take your blessings for granted; focus on what you have, what you’ve
accomplished and the great people in your life.
“Showing gratitude is
one of the simplest yet
most powerful things
humans can do for
each other.”
~ Randy Pausch
1. Keep a gratitude journal.
A gratitude journal can
give you perspective about the great things in your life. Take
some time every day to write down five things that you are
grateful for that day.
Writing down what you are grateful for allows
you to organize your thoughts and put the
experience into context.*
2. Remember and be grateful for challenges
and “negative” experiences
because they’ve taught
you valuable lessons in patience, understanding, humility
and strength.
3. Focus on the gifts.
Be thankful for the gifts that we
receive from others, such as a smile or a kind word, as well
as the gifts we offer to others.
4. Pray for gratitude
or for the ability to be grateful.
Whether or not you are religious, take the time to sit quietly
and think about what you’re thankful for.
5. Be grateful for your health.
The human body is an
amazing machine. Be thankful for all that yours can do.
6. Keep a visual reminder to be grateful,
such as a
picture frame with your favorite gratitude quote, and surround
yourself with grateful people.
7. Commit to practicing gratitude.
Make a concerted
effort to practice gratitude every single day. Let others know
you appreciate them.
8. Maintain a positive, grateful attitude.
Replace a
negative internal monologue with positive thoughts.
9. If you must, fake it.
If you’re having trouble being
grateful, fake it until you are. Smile, say thank you and write a
thank you note to someone who’s helped you recently. Soon,
all of this gratitude will overtake any negativity.
* Source: Emmons, Robert A. (2007) Thanks! How Practicing Gratitude Can Make You Happier.
New York: Houghton Mifflin
© 2012 Buffini & Company. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. LGK NOVEMBER S
9
Ways to Count Your Blessings
10
Ways to Say “Thank You” to
the People You’re Grateful for
It can be difficult to express gratitude in words. Here
are some phrases to get you started:
“I appreciate you/your work.”
“You made my day.”
“You make my life/job/day so much easier.”
“You’re a great role model/example for others.”
“I’m grateful for all that you do.”
Expressing gratitude encourages others and also
contributes to your long-term personal happiness.
1. Write a note,
whether it’s a personal note sent by mail or a
sticky note posted where they’re sure to see it.
2. Tell them.
It sounds simple, but the best way to express
thanks is to say it.
3. Surprise them
with their favorite snack, baked treat,
beverage or flowers.
4. Take them out for a meal,
or if you’re a great cook, make a
meal for them.
5. Buy them a book
that pertains to their interests.
6. Reciprocate.
Help a neighbor shovel his walkway,
volunteer at your child’s school, or watch the kids while
your spouse goes for a run or gets a massage.
7. Give them a gift certificate
to their favorite restaurant
or store.
8. Make it public.
Write a good review online, and praise the
person or business whenever you can.
9. Make time for those you care about,
and unplug from
technology when you’re with them. Be present when with
those who are most important to you; they may not always
be around.
10. Pay it forward,
and do something thoughtful for
someone else.
Although it only consists of two words, the phrase “thank you” can have a
huge impact on those to whom it is said. It can be used in a variety of
circumstances; you can say it to the stranger who holds the door open for
you or to the waiter at your favorite restaurant for the great service. Many of
us find it easier to thank total strangers than to thank the people in our lives
who mean the most to us.
• Family
• Friends
• Neighbors
• Co-workers
• Business associates
• Proprietors of the
businesses you frequent
• Community leaders
• Your child(ren)’s teachers
or coaches
• Your doctor or health
care professional
• Anyone who goes the extra
mile to help you
There’s no time like the present to express gratitude to the people in your life that you’re most grateful for. Make a list of the people
that you are glad to have in your life, which can include:
Words of Thanks
No comments:
Post a Comment