Expressing Gratitude Makes You Feel Good

I’m sitting on my couch as I write this article feeling surrounded with gratitude. This week I noticed that the more I practiced gratitude the more positive events and situations I attracted into my life. Expressing and feeling gratitude has so many happy effects on us. If we take the time to think of what we are grateful for we will enhance our sense of well being. Practicing daily gratitude can actually increase our happiness by 25% (PsyBlog). Here are some experiences I was grateful for this week;
 
·         I took my son to his (and my) first hockey tournament. We spent three days out of town just the two of us. I loved sharing time alone with him, without the distraction of my other two children. That is something we have never done before. It was quality time and it was a lot of fun!   I also reconnected with cousins I haven’t seen in over a year. That too was filled with fun and laughter. I was so grateful to spend quality time with my son and bond with family.
 
·         The other morning I woke up feeling drained about the busy day ahead. What I really wanted was to do nothing. I wished for some quiet time alone. As it turned out, my two appointments were canceled and my entire afternoon opened up. I was grateful my wish came true. I had time to relax, read and meditate.
 
·         A good friend asked if I would write a reference letter for her. I agreed and as I was writing it I realized how much she meant to me. Putting my thoughts about her on paper made me appreciate and cherish all her kindness, thoughtfulness and compassion. Again gratitude and love filled my heart.
 
·         I received an email from a dear friend telling me how much she enjoyed my Diaries Article on our website. Just when I was feeling inadequate and insecure my friend reminded me of how far I’ve gone. Her email was exactly what I needed to lift me up. I am grateful for her friendship and unconditional love.
 
·         The week ended with an unplanned morning walk with a friend. It was a sunny and warm winter day and we both decided we wanted to be outdoors. Our walk stretched out into a coffee at Starbuck’s and shopping at a specialty grocery store. It was exactly what we needed. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend the morning. I was grateful for the opportunity to go for a leisurely walk with a good friend.
 
What are you grateful for? How do you express appreciation? A gratitude journal/list is a great place to start recording what you are thankful for. And it only takes a few minutes a day. Try it and see how much better you’ll feel. It’s the easiest way I know to lift your spirits!
 
Come to our forum http://www.mothersonfire.com/forum and share your gratitude list with us.
 
Written by Sandra