Ah, gratitude! The word might sound a bit cliché, conjuring images of sappy Hallmark cards and overly enthusiastic yoga instructors. We've all heard about the importance of being thankful, especially around Thanksgiving. But let's be real for a moment, shall we? We usually forget about gratitude as soon as the last piece of pumpkin pie disappears from our plates. Our focus changes – driving home (after Thanksgiving with parents and friends, your to-do list, work, and the list goes on.
Well, it's high time we dust off the cobwebs from our gratitude jars and start practicing the art of thankfulness on a daily basis. Why, you ask? Because the power of gratitude goes far beyond the holiday season. It's a transformative mindset that can boost your happiness, improve your relationships, and even enhance your physical and mental well-being. So, grab your gratitude journal (or your smartphone notes app, I’m not picky) and get ready to embark on a journey to cultivate a thankful mindset – with a dash of Bhupiness!
The Science of Gratitude
Before we dive headfirst into the world of gratitude, let's talk about the science behind it. Yes, there's actual research on this stuff, and it's pretty mind-blowing. When you practice gratitude, your brain lights up like a fireworks display on Canada Day, Diwali, or the Fourth of July.
Here's how it works: When you express gratitude, your brain releases dopamine and serotonin, those delightful chemicals responsible for making you feel happy. It's like your brain's way of saying, "Hey, thanks for acknowledging the good stuff! Here's a dose of happiness as a reward!" So, by cultivating a thankful mindset, you're essentially giving your brain a daily happiness boost.
But wait, there's more! Gratitude doesn't just stop at making you feel good; it also improves your physical health. Studies have shown that practicing gratitude can lower your blood pressure, improve your immune system, and even help you sleep better. Who knew that a simple "thank you" could have such profound effects?
Gratitude in Everyday Life
Now that you understand the science behind gratitude, let's explore how you can incorporate it into your daily life. Remember, it's not just about saying "thank you" when someone holds the door open for you (although that's really important too). It's about adopting a mindset that appreciates the little things, even when life throws lemons your way.
Morning Gratitude Rituals
Start your day with a dose of gratitude. Instead of reaching for your phone to check social media or the news, take a moment to reflect on three things you're grateful for. It could be as simple as the warmth of your cozy blanket, a freshly brewed cup of coffee, or the sound of birds chirping outside your window. Create a morning ritual that sets a positive tone for the rest of your day.
This is how I start my morning and when I leave for work, to run errands, I am smiling!
Gratitude Journaling
Consider keeping a gratitude journal. This can be a physical notebook or a digital one, depending on your preference. Each day, jot down a few things you're thankful for. It might feel a bit cheesy at first, but trust us, it gets easier and 
more meaningful with time. Plus, you'll have a delightful record of all the good moments in your life to look back on.
The Gratitude Game
Turn gratitude into a fun game with your friends or family. At dinner or during a get-together, take turns sharing something you're grateful for. Make it a rule that you can't repeat what someone else has said. This not only encourages mindfulness but also sparks interesting conversations and helps strengthen your relationships.
This should be at every meal, or coffee not just Thanksgiving and Christmas which is where our brain automatically associates gratitude with. We’ve been conditioned by society and the shows we watch.
Thank-You Notes
Don't underestimate the power of a good old-fashioned thank-you note. Whether it's for a birthday gift, a thoughtful gesture, or just to express your appreciation for someone's presence in your life, handwritten thank-you notes never go out of style. The act of writing them can be as gratifying as receiving them.
I love mailing Thank-you notes. I usually make a list as I go along because, sometimes the tiniest gestures mean so much. I usually make small postcards with hand-drawn mandala-inspired designs so that the recipients can colour them in if they like. I have been told that some keep them on their fridge as reminder of my small gesture and it makes them smile every time. These little bursts of creativity add a personal touch and make the notes even more special. Then, I send them randomly, without any special occasion, just to brighten someone's day and remind them that they're appreciated. It's amazing how such a simple act can foster connections and spread positivity. Plus, who doesn't love receiving a colourful surprise in their mailbox instead of an email?
Gratitude Challenges
Challenge yourself to a week, a month, or even a year of daily gratitude. Set specific goals like finding one thing to be grateful for that begins with each letter of the alphabet or focusing on a particular theme each week, like "family," "nature," or "small acts of kindness." These challenges can make gratitude feel fresh and exciting.
I start my day with gratitude, but I also write in my journal every night with 3 or more things that I’m grateful for that day. This double-dose of thankfulness not only starts my day with a smile but also ends it with a warm fuzzy feeling as I cozy up under my duvet. It's like bookending my day with positivity, ensuring that I'm constantly reminded of the abundance of blessings in my life. Plus, there's something incredibly comforting about drifting off to sleep with a heart full of gratitude.
Now, we all have some crappy things that happen every day that will make us fume and spiral our emotions out of control. Let’s change that. Here are some examples of how gratitude can transform your life:
Traffic Jam Gratitude: You're late for a meeting or you’re heading home after errands or an appointment or at the end of the day after a long day at work and bam, you're stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Instead of fuming with road rage, take a moment to appreciate the time you have to yourself. Cue your favorite podcast or playlist, enjoy the solitude, and be grateful for the chance to unwind before your hectic day.
I always have my tunes ready that will make me smile when I sing along and grove a little behind the wheel!
Dirty Dishes Gratitude: You walk into a kitchen piled high with dirty dishes either because you’ve been stock-piling them yourself or your kid hasn’t completed his/her chores and your inner grumble-monster threatens to emerge. Flip the script by thanking those dishes for the delicious meals they held. Imagine the moments of joy and laughter shared around the table. Suddenly, cleaning becomes an act of gratitude.
Rainy Day Gratitude: Your plans for an outdoor picnic are ruined by unexpected rain. Instead of sulking, embrace the raindrops as nature's way of watering the earth and providing life. Be thankful for the cozy indoor day ahead, complete with a good book, bingeing on that TV series you’ve been meaning to watch and a cup of hot tea.
Monday Gratitude: Ah, Monday, the day most people dread. Instead of complaining about the start of the workweek, be thankful for the opportunities it brings. It's a fresh beginning, a chance to pursue your goals and make a positive impact.
Separation or Divorce: Undoubtedly one of life's most heart-wrenching trials, can shake your world to its core. In these moments of despair, it may seem impossible to fathom the idea of gratitude. However, as we explore the power of thankfulness, it's essential to understand that even amid this devastation, seeds of transformation can be sown.
While the initial stages of separation or divorce can feel like an unending storm, they also mark the potential for a fresh start—a chance to rebuild and rediscover yourself. Although it may not be apparent in the midst of heartache, this moment can be the inception of something remarkable.
As you navigate through the tumultuous sea of emotions, you might stumble upon moments of clarity, personal growth, and newfound resilience. The pain and adversity you face can be the catalyst for self-discovery. It's an opportunity to reignite passions, explore new interests, and reconnect with the person you were before life's twists and turns led you to this juncture. In time, you may come to express gratitude for this unexpected journey of self-rediscovery, acknowledging that even in the darkest of times, there's potential for personal rebirth and the emergence of a brighter, more authentic you. This is a big topic and I have dedicated another blog.
Broken Phone Gratitude: Your beloved smartphone takes a tragic tumble, leaving you with a shattered screen. Rather than lamenting the cracked glass, express gratitude for the wonderful memories and connections it has facilitated. Plus, it's the perfect excuse to unplug and savour the world around you.
The Gratitude Ripple Effect
As you embrace gratitude in your life, you'll start to notice a remarkable ripple effect. Your newfound positivity will spread to those around you, creating a more harmonious and joyful atmosphere in your relationships.
Imagine this: You express gratitude to your partner for their unwavering support. They, in turn, feel appreciated and valued, leading them to express gratitude for your kindness. It's a beautiful cycle that strengthens the bonds of love and friendship.
Gratitude doesn't just stop at personal relationships; it extends to your work life as well. When you appreciate your colleagues and their contributions, you foster a more collaborative and productive work environment. Grateful employees are happier, more engaged, and more likely to stay with their organizations.
So there you have it, folks—the power of gratitude, served with a side of fun, and plenty of examples. It's not just a fleeting feeling of thankfulness that we reserve for the Thanksgiving, Diwali or Christmas table; it's a daily practice that can transform your life in profound ways.
By incorporating gratitude into your daily routine, you'll be rewiring your brain for happiness, improving your physical health, and enhancing your relationships. You'll find joy in the small moments, even on the rainiest of days, and you'll discover that there's always something to be thankful for.
So go ahead, and embark on your gratitude journey with gusto. Express your appreciation for the world around you, and watch as the universe responds with even more reasons to be thankful. As the saying goes, "Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all others."
I know that when life throws the worst curveballs, it can be incredibly challenging to find anything to be grateful for. But this is when gratitude matters the most. Trust me, I've been there when my life fell apart not once but twice! Let me assure you, gratitude is how I saw a pin-sized light in the darkest of tunnels, and now, regardless of what life throws at me, I always see rays of sunshine at the end of the tunnel. It's a powerful mindset that can carry you through even the toughest of times and help you emerge stronger, wiser, and more resilient. So, join me in this journey of gratitude, and together, we'll uncover the incredible power it holds to transform our lives. And if you are struggling, please reach out, because I want you to see the light bursting through the tunnel!
