An Attitude Of Gratitude Changes Everything – Everything Changes With Gratitude

An Attitude of Gratitude really does change everything.

When I started my journey, I was sceptical that this one emotion – a gift of gratitude could change anything.

We live in a world filled with bad news.

Every day we are mercilessly bombarded with more bad news.

We are reminded that we lack.

Social media fill us with images of what a perfect life looks like.

We see what others have, what they do, where they go and are often left feeling inadequate.

Television provides bad news.

Advertising provides the one-two punch of deprivation.

In the end, instead of feeling happy, motivated, and focused, we feel unhappy, impoverished, and incapable of making any impact.

When compared with the excitement of others’ lives we see around us, these feelings of inadequacy only highlight reels of people’s lives.

The images they pose rarely show the harsh daily reality of their lived experience.

We can focus on those around us, those who have achieved more and do more, and we end up feeling deprived.

That’s a choice.

“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.” ~ Albert Einstein

An Attitude of Gratitude Changes Everything

In my twenties, I was angry.

This morning I had a short 1-minute video for review with my team.

Often we are all our worst critics, and I was no exception.

When I viewed myself, I saw flaws: so many flaws and shortcomings.

I almost cringed when they played my video.

When I looked at my teammate’s faces, saw their smiles, and nodded, I began to watch the video. Why do they see?

“You are so gentle.”

“We love your energy.”

“People trust you. I would come up to you and tell you all sorts of secrets.”

“I like it. You are kind. You sound like someone who will listen to me.”

I was amazed to hear that.

Focus On Growing An Attitude Of Gratitude

We can look for what’s missing, OR we can consciously direct our focus to feel grateful for all the beautiful things in our lives.

Promise – life gets better.

When I allowed myself to study my life through the lens of gratitude – things began to change for me as a grateful person.

I started to focus on the many reasons I have to be grateful – I knew that this would forever change my life!

What is An Attitude of Gratitude?

Gratitude is a gift.

And when we have an attitude of gratitude, our life begins to change for the better.

Some of us may think of gratitude as an emotion we experience when things are going well.

When we focus on the many reasons we have to be grateful, we feel better – our self-esteem improves.

And when we feel better, our physical health gets better.

A simple shift in focus on gratitude helps reduces stress and increases levels of contentment.

We often associate gratitude with well-being and contentment.

While feeling grateful brings a wide range of mental health benefits – gratitude isn’t just cuddly puppies and positive thinking.

Let us be grateful, not for the material possessions given to us. But the small ways that we can offer something useful back to others.

Gratitude Changes Everything

Yes, it does!

I have experienced many changes in my life when I am grateful.

Instead of rushing around and feeling frustrated because “life happens to me,” I began to pause for gratitude and appreciate it.

I feel better, both physically and mentally.

It truly is life-changing to experience contentment instead of stress.

It is one thing to feel grateful about your life. That is not enough.

We need to take it to the next level and express that gratitude.

I believe the essential factor is self-discipline.

We can shift our focus.

Remember, when focus goes, energy flows.

What does it take to start being grateful for what we have right now?

For me, I choose to focus on my blessings.

These gifts include my mother, our health, my simple home, my love for writing, and my experiences in encouraging people.

I like to devote my quiet time to writing.

Some people may be distracted by others’ success, wealth, and life experiences regularly.

Life is not about the car you drive, the houses you own, or the holidays you take.

If the conversations revolve around handbags, shoes, facial, spas, and manicures, some people are more concerned with pampering.

It is good to recognize these things for what they are and be happy for those who experience them.

However, when we focus on these things with envy, it leads to our feelings of inadequacy and unhappiness.

If you study the happiest people, they are just happy because they have this great attitude of gratitude.

They don’t have to have something new, bright, or shiny to make them happy.

When we feel unhappy and upset, our blood pressure spikes.

Having a grateful heart changes our perception every single day.

If we can maintain a focus on gratitude, we can enjoy our lives with higher levels of happiness and contentment that are not tied to material possessions.

An expression of gratitude changes a bad day of unnecessary suffering and self-pity to a smiling and life satisfaction.

What does it take to start being grateful for what we have right now?

For me, I choose to focus on my blessings.

These gifts include my mother, our health, my simple home, my love for writing, and my experiences in encouraging people.

I like to devote my quiet time to writing.

Some people may be distracted by others’ success, wealth, and life experiences.

Life is not about the car you drive, the houses you own, or the holidays you take.

If the conversations revolve around handbags, shoes, facial, spas, and manicures, some people are more concerned with pampering.

It is good to recognize these things for what they are and be happy for those who experience them.

However, when we focus on these things with envy, it leads to our feelings of inadequacy and unhappiness.

Gratitude does change our perception.

If we can maintain a focus on gratitude, we can enjoy our lives with higher levels of happiness and contentment that are not tied to material possessions.

How To Have More Gratitude?

A day to day life well-lived has goals and integrity – it is one of gratitude and thankfulness.

“Life moves fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” ~ Ferris Bueller

We choose our days to live it to the fullest extent possible.

However, it is not about living your future life in the fast lane or a monotonous scenic route.

We aim to move from confusion to clarity and not to remain stuck for our entire lives being unhappy.

Life happens, and no matter what the route is, we need to remember to pause and show appreciation for what we have.

Are there silver linings? Of course, we live the fullness of life by moving from denial to acceptance of the things we can’t change.

Here are eight ways to have more gratitude in your daily life as you grow your gratitude journey.

1 Appreciate Everything – Don’t be picky

Being grateful starts with small things.

You don’t have to save Gratitude for the “big” things in life.

Start being grateful by appreciating every good that happens.

There is nothing too small for you not to be thankful for.

Remember little children. They are always happy and thankful for small things.

It can be something simple, like clear weather or an empty parking space.

It doesn’t take an expensive toy or trip to impress a child; some very young children happily play with an empty box.

The important thing is not to leave anything out of your gratitude list

2 Find gratitude in your challenges

When something negative happens, or you are faced with a setback, you need to list down the things you can still be grateful for.

Remember that gratitude is not only being thankful for the beautiful experiences in life.

Sometimes life throws a lemon at you. Be grateful that you can make lemonade with that lemon instead of grumbling.

Dig deeper into some of your past experiences.

Try to remember a time you were grateful, even when things were difficult.

You are the person you are today because of that one decision to be grateful for what you had.

Even if you can’t think of anything, be grateful that you are breathing!

Stand tall and see your self-confidence soar!

3 Practice mindfulness

Think of a least one thing that you can be grateful for every day.

The picture in your mind and feel the emotion in your body – feel an improvement in self-confidence already?

Start daily and add one more item each day.

Soon you will think of five to ten things you are grateful for.

Your brain is a powerful tool, and you can train your brain like the rest of your body.

Your gratitude practise daily will help rewire your brain to be naturally grateful.

Before you know it, you’ll feel the positive effects and start feeling happier.

Experts say that it only takes eight weeks of gratitude practice – People can change their brain patterns, leading to happiness and greater empathy.

The more you practice, the more quickly you can feel grateful and happier.

4 Keep a Gratitude Journal

Write your positive thoughts down in a simple notebook, a gratitude journal, where you write down daily what you are grateful for.

Name it “Things You Are Grateful For.” This will keep you mindful and on track to always refer to the positives instead of difficult times in your life.

As you put pen to paper and write, something magical happens.

You think about something good that you are grateful for daily.

Your writing will help you focus and distract from bitter and ungrateful thoughts.

Keep journaling every day, and you will see the difference in your life.

If you can think of anything to write, try copying down a gratitude quote that resonates well with you.

People who keep a journal felt better about their lives and are more optimistic.

5 Volunteer Your Time

Give back to the community.

You can always find something you can do to give back to your co-workers or others in your local community.

You can be more grateful for the things you take for granted like the trashman doing his job quietly every morning.

I have seen many kind people volunteer their time to clean the beach or pick up trash from the promenade.

If you don’t like humans, then volunteer to save animals or spend time at a shelter.

There is so much more you can do to help others.

Volunteering is the single, most reliable way to increase your well-being immediately.

Helping others helps you!

6 Express gratitude

When you express gratitude, your feelings of gratitude increase.

The same gratitude when you express for the people you care about, your level of gratitude and happiness increases.

You can express your gratitude by writing a letter to a person they were grateful for.

However, when you express your gratitude by making a phone call to the person you are thankful for directly, happiness levels shoot through the roof.

Expressing gratitude for someone not only makes their day a little brighter, but this simple act also increases your happiness level.

7 Spend time with loved ones

Start close to your home base; spend some time with your family and friends.

As you grow closer and strengthen your relationship, you can express your gratitude to the people you care about.

How to start?

Start the conversation with a “Hello.”

You can complement their new shirt or even haircut.

Write a personal note for a greeting, and see how this changes your recipient’s demeanor.

8 Improve your happiness in other areas of your life

Being happy can make you feel more grateful.

By definition, being grateful can also make you more comfortable.

Just as you can change your physiology and so change your thinking.

There are many simple ways to change your mood, such as going for a run, swimming, playing racket games, or singing!

When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, you feel better, and showing gratitude will be more comfortable.

Once you enjoy the feelings of contentment and peace, you will soon make list after list of all the things in your life you’re thankful for.

Feeling A Grateful Attitude

Feeling grateful can increase positive emotions and happiness and boost your well-being.

Gratitude is strongly and consistently associated helps people feel more positive emotions and greater happiness.

When we feel more grateful and start to relish these pleasurable experiences, our health improves.

We can build strong relationships and deal better with adversity.

Gratitude is such a powerful emotion.

People feel and express gratitude in many ways.

Giving thanks can make you happier – Harvard Health.

When you feel grateful, it is quite difficult to feel angry, depressed, or sorry for yourself.

Final Word on Attracting Gratitude

People who keep a Gratitude Journal are more likely to make progress toward their goals.

Overall, a greater sense of connection to others, an upbeat and optimistic view towards life, and better sleep quality.

When you are happy and contented – you sleep better at night.

If you would like to experience some of these significant benefits, why not try some simple ways to make gratitude a part of every day?

Bonus: 40 simple ways to make gratitude a part of your everyday life

1. Keep a Gratitude Journal and add to it daily.
2. Smile more often.
3. See the beauty in nature each day.
4. Tell someone how much you appreciate them and you love them.
5. Nurture the friendships you have – good friends don’t come along every day.
6. Watch inspiring videos – that remind you of the good in the world.
7. Do an act of kindness each day.
8. Avoid negative and destructive content, be it social media or the news.
9. Cook meals with love; think of nourishing the people you love.
10. Volunteer for organizations that help others donate their time or money.
11. Avoid gossip, and don’t speak badly about anyone.
12. Spend quality time with your lover.
13. Remember to give more compliments than you receive.
14. Send a handwritten card to and tell the recipient something nice.
15. Add to your gratitude list daily – once in the morning and before bed.
16. If you encounter a negative thought, try to see the positive side of the situation.
17. Commit to one day a week when you promise not to complain.
18. When people do a good job and give due recognition.
19. Reward effort, if someone does something nice for you, return the favor.
20. Meditate with your gratitude list, giving thanks for blessings.
21. Live mindfully, for the moment.
22. You can’t change the past or future by worrying, so you don’t have to choose suffering over happiness.
23. Thank the people who serve you in the community: the shopkeepers, the bus drivers, etc.
24. Thank your loved ones for the little things they do for you.
25. Post quotes and images around your home that remind you to be grateful.
26. Visit an elderly neighbor and say thank you for being a part of your life.
27. Call your grandparents – tell them you love them.
28. Embrace challenges and turn these into opportunities for growth.
29. Bless your enemies or people you dislike.
30. Be grateful when you learn something new.
31. See the growth opportunity in your mistakes.
32. Help your friends see the positive side of life.
33. When times are bad, focus on your friends who are at your side.
34. When time is good, notice and help others.
35. Make a gratitude collage, cut out pictures of all the things that you are grateful for.
36. During meal times, share your gratitude list.
37. Make Practicing gratitude a habit.
38. Focus on your strengths and abilities.
39. Share the benefits of gratitude with family, children, and friends.
40. Share gratitude each day by posting a tweet, Facebook post, or Pinterest.

Be the change you want to see globally; you can start by making gratitude a part of each day.

If we all practice gratitude more regularly, the world will be a better place.

Doris Lim Writes Gratitude