Gratitude

Being thankful is the key to happiness. When you are grateful for what you have, your whole attitude changes for the better. You become happier and more content with life. And isn’t that what we all want?

My Gratitude for Friends and Family

It is nice to take the time to share things I am thankful for! I love my family! It is not perfect! Through ups and downs, I have been amazed at how well my family can adapt, change and thrive. I am thankful for their ability to grow and make the best of sometimes difficult situations. From a child with special needs to the ups and downs of everyday life…we get it done. Sometimes it’s not pretty, but it is us!

My kids will tell you they are TIRED of having their picture taken for this blog! However, we have finally resorted to paying! So Bella is okay with it as long as there is a modeling fee involved. Blogging does give them things to be thankful for…… American Girl Doll Dresses, Toll House Pie and loads of food! We are an UNO playing family that loves to countdown to Christmas with special Advent Calendars and celebrate St. Nicholas Day.

I met my husband in college and we have grown up together. This year we celebrated our 34th wedding anniversary. I couldn’t blog without him. He is always willing to grab a drill and help me out, listen to my crazy ideas,  and put up with undone laundry and a messy home. I am thankful he understands my need to create!

Sometimes I fail to show this sweet family and my dear friends my appreciation. I am in awe of this village of people that surround me with their love and understand my chaos, cherish my imperfections, and appreciate my creativity.

Benefits of Gratitude

Did you know gratitude can make us happier and healthier? Research shows that people who express gratitude are happier and enjoy good friendships. When you are grateful, your brain releases endorphins. These are the body’s feel-good hormones and they uplift and energize you. We can’t be stressed and thankful at the same time.

• Combat depression
• Decreases anxiety
• Better sleep
• Stronger relationships
• Lower blood pressure

Ways to Cultivate Gratitude

Being grateful plays into our overall well-being and here are a few ways to increase our joy through gratitude.

some tips on how to cultivate gratitude in your life. You can practice gratitude in lots of different ways, like:

• Journaling– Something as the habit of keeping a daily gratitude journal and writing down 5 things each day that we’re grateful for can make a world of difference and increase our positive emotions.
• Notice– Pay attention to the little things in life, like nature, small gestures from friends, and little blessings.
• Express– Telling someone you’re grateful for them or for something they did, even if it was a long time ago
• Practice kindness– something kind for someone in your life to express your gratitude
• Meditation– meditating on the positive aspects of your life
• Prayer– Give thanks through prayer
• Self Talk– Fill your mind with positive daily affirmations

Tools to Practice Gratitude

Here are some self-help tools and ideas to help to be more grateful every day!

Practicing gratitude with a healthy self-love routine will put you on the wonderful journey to daily zen and good mental health!