Gratitude is something that should be practiced regularly. Today I thought I’d share a few practical ways that we can start to practice gratitude more frequently.
I don’t know about you, but I often find that once the turkey is gone and everyone heads back home after the Thanksgiving celebrations, gratitude seem to be packed back up in an invisible box and tucked away on a shelf for another year.
Do you ever feel that way?
Below I’m sharing three simple ways we can start practicing gratitude more regularly, and I’m providing a free daily gratitude printable that you can use to create some new routines in the New Year.
Think of three things you’re thankful for every day.
Make it a daily habit to visualize or verbalize what’s good in your life. Believe it or not, this can often impact your mood throughout the day — and even your sleep quality.
While running errands, I often verbalize my gratitude for the beautiful day. After returning home from a walk, I like to verbalize my gratitude for the air conditioning or heat, depending on the season.
Being intentional about practicing gratitude is so important.
Verbalizing them is great, but you could also consider writing them down. This gives us the opportunity to come back and read through what we were thankful for at the end of each week (or month).
This brings me to the next way we can practice gratitude, which actually involves writing.
Start a gratitude journal.
Did you know that journaling can be an excellent self-therapy technique? When you write in a gratitude journal, it’s been said to activate areas in our brain related to morality and positive emotions.
Studies show that people who find purpose and gratitude after challenging situations show higher resilience and forgiveness. Not to mention that reading your own words of gratefulness can help boost your spirits when you’re struggling to be positive.
Many years ago (before I was married), I went through one of the loneliest times of my life. I wish I had thought to keep a gratitude journal. However, looking back, I know that was a time of growth for me. An experience that has allowed me to speak into others lives on many occasions. Thankfully, I’ve put that behind me, but sometimes we need to be reminded of the hardships to see how far we’ve come.
Practice Gratitude: Thank someone new every week.
How often do you take the time to express gratitude more consciously, intentionally, or thoughtfully? Sure, we say thanks to our husband for setting the table and say thank you to the clerk at the local supermarket, but do we take the time to pause and make it feel more meaningful?
Purposefully choose someone new each week and practice expressing gratitude differently. This could be in the form of posting a thoughtful message on someone’s Facebook page about how you appreciate their friendship or sending a handwritten card with a cup of coffee (a $5 Starbucks card). Be creative and have fun!
Daily Gratitude Journal Free Printable
If you’re up for the challenge of a Daily Gratitude Journal, this printable is for you! Maybe do it for a month and see how you feel. I’m thinking you might be surprised.
DOWNLOAD or SAVE DAILY GRATITUDE JOURNAL SHEETS
For me, a daily gratitude journal seems a wee-bit daunting. So I decided to make a printable 2023 Monthly Gratitude Journal — and you can buy a digital copy for ONLY $5. 😮
And guess what? You could easily have it printed and bound at your local printer! Or you can use a handy dandy hole puncher and use a three-ring binder! Regardless, have one ready to go for the New Year.
Better yet — print and bind TWO! One for you and one for a friend. 🎁 ❤️
Purchase this printable Monthly Gratitude Journal.
Laura says
Right now I am grateful for LIVE LAUGH ROWE! I enjoy reading your blog!
Kelly Rowe says
Well, I think you just made my day, Laura. Thank you so much for your kind words. I truly appreciate it. Have a lovely week. HUGS!