Gratitude can often be a tricky thing. There are times when we want what we don’t or cannot have and many other times when we are just so down on ourselves and the situations in our lives that we cannot even fathom being grateful. Better yet, there are times when you have an abundance of love, blessings and a wonderful life, yet something small at work sets you off and you cannot even IMAGINE being kind to the person who wronged you.
Today I am sharing my tips for filling yourself with a grateful heart.
1) Volunteer
It may be time consuming, it may be difficult and out of the way but I PROMISE you that once you volunteer and help someone who needs a hand or a hug, you will find gratitude. There are so many people in this world who do not have a hand to hold or a home to call their own and they so desperately need YOU.
By simply reaching out, donating leftover catering to the local shelter or lending a helping hand to an older woman crossing the street – you will find gratitude.
2) DO Sweat the Small Stuff
The little things are often what we take for granted. The sweet gesture of your husband cleaning the dishes. Your mom calling you just to check on you. The amazing new business book you read over the weekend. The 5 minutes you found for meditation, reading, a bubble bath or complete silence within your own backyard.
These tiny little offerings from the universe are often what we take for granted the most. Yes, we have a (fill in the blank): home, loved one, life, job, school, career, business, clothes, food etc. But what we don’t often realize is that those little blessings also add up to something BIG.
3) Make a Gratitude List
Speaking of little things, I love writing lists. Particularly gratitude lists. Those little things I just spoke of are often hard to keep track of. I use fun apps on my phone such as The Gratitude Journal, & Thankful For.
I also keep a journal on me wherever I go. And (not as often as I should) I post an article called Magical Mondays, where I write a whole list of gratitude for my week behind and my week ahead. Gratitude for my busy and amazing life.
4) Have Technology Free Tuesdays
My husband and I were discussing our childhood this past weekend. He is in complete amazement over the kinds of technology that is currently offered at our fingertips. He mentioned he was a bit scared to bring a child into this world knowing that they may not know what board games are.
WAIT A MINUTE I said. They will know board games, they will play outside and they will be encouraged to roll in mud (they are just clothes after all…) and we will implement something called no technology Tuesdays.
Seeing as how we are a ways off from bringing a baby into the world, we want to start with ourselves. Aside from work, Tuesdays will be a technology free evening and we will have to fend for ourselves.
Doing this creates “extra time” in your life, as well as gets you out of the CONSTANTLY checking your facebook/twitter/other social media updates. Does it really matter that Buffy went to Mexico or Sandy had a delicious dinner while you sat on the couch and snuggled in watching American Idol with your favorite blanket? NO. It doesn’t. And sometimes we need a break from this constant barrage of others.
Take a moment to be present in your own life. Be present. Let go of the technology, and the overwhelm. Find balance.
I hope this article finds you well, and helps you to create a gratitude list of your own!
Get out there, do yoga & make life sparkle,
Sat Nam
Jenny
I totally agree re: board games + mud + babies! That was a discussion my hubby and I had as well. No need to worry, things balance out and we were anxious and worried for nothing. We now have a very tech savvy 10 year old that’s greatest joy is poking around in the mud 😉
That’s so wonderful to hear 🙂 It’s exciting to be in this moment……technology is such a wonderful piece of our lives, but taking yourself away from it on occasion can also bring such an enormous about of joy! Have fun with your muddy 10 year old 😉
Great article, Thank you so much. I love the volunteer one, I definitely could do more of that. Technology free tuesday is awesome, I have three kids who are crazy about technology, it will be interesting to see how that one goes!
Thanks Janelle! Technology is so difficult to shy away from,especially because now their homework could be online…..but my theory is once you’re done with work of any kind, we should have no technology free afternoon 🙂
Thanks so much! Have a wonderful afternoon, and I know you’ll fine the perfect volunteering opportunity!
Everyday I wake up I feel grateful for my family, my humble home and for the opportunity to be able to pursue my business vision.
I love your tips above especially the part on volunteering. The feeling and gratitude you receive from a simple act of kindness is the best!
Thanks so much Cassie 🙂 It’s so true, counting our blessings and cultivating simple acts of kindness creates a MUCH happier life in my opinion!