“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” – William Arthur Ward
Gratitude is the buzzword these days and quite rightly so. Ever wondered what all the hype is about?
If you think every day of your life is going to be smooth sailing, then you’re being unrealistic. there’s no doubt you’ll have challenges but even when you’re going through really rough times gratitude is a must.
Life, on a daily basis can sometimes move at such a fast pace, so much so that you can hardly wrap your head around it. Sometimes you have to ask yourself “Where did the day go? “
Having to make day-to-day adjustments along with having jam-packed schedules can leave you feeling worried, stressed, and overwhelmed. A lot of times it can be hard to keep on track.
Despite all of these emotions and tough times, the key ingredient is to think positively and pair that with a positive attitude. So, Look at the bright side and think of all the benefits that could come from it, sometimes things are not as bad as they could have been.
Here’s the thing, there are no benefits to be had from being negative. Yes, we’re all humans but even when life gets rough you can find something to be grateful for.
It doesn’t have to be anything huge. Take a moment and think it could be as simple as being thankful that you’re still breathing.
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What Does Gratitude Really Mean?
I hope that this video will help to emphasize what gratitude means.
We often hear people say “Be grateful” or “Show gratitude”, but what does it really mean? Gratitude can be defined as the quality of being thankful for what you have, for kindness or generosity, and the readiness to show your appreciation.
Whether it be material possessions or intangible things like relationships, experiences, or opportunities, it’s a powerful emotion that can bring joy, happiness, contentment, and fulfillment in your life.
Gratitude is not just limited to saying “thank you” or giving gifts. It can also be expressed through small gestures such as a smile, a kind word, or even simply being present and listening to someone. It’s about acknowledging and appreciating the good in your life and being mindful of it, even in times of adversity.
Studies have shown that people who regularly express gratitude tend to be more optimistic, have stronger relationships, and experience less stress and anxiety. It can also improve your physical health by boosting your immune system and reducing symptoms of illnesses.
Quick tip: Feeling down? Take a moment to think about the things you’re grateful for and see how it can shift your mood.
What Does Gratitude Is A Must Means?
Gratitude is a must means that regardless of the type of day you’re having whether good or bad or even if life, in general, is throwing some hard punches at you, you take a moment and still express gratitude anyway.
Think about the emotion you’re feeling on the inside. Are you upbeat or distressed? Do you feel unbothered or always worried? Probably you’re not aware of this, but gratitude can spark a strong feeling of happiness and contentment.
No matter what you’re going through, it makes no difference how dark the days are, whatever challenges you’re facing, through all the highs and the lows you still maintain an attitude of thankfulness – being grateful and always giving thanks. And, all the extra goodness that comes with life is just the icing on the cake.
How Do You Express Gratitude?
When you practice gratitude regularly it will have a positive effect on your mental and emotional health. It will also affect your life and the people you surround yourself with.
If you train your mind to be grateful and put it into action, that is, express your gratitude it’s impossible not to be transformed and develop into a better human being.
When you’re grateful and start to envelop the world around you, you can touch so many lives. Here are some ways that you can show gratitude.
- Random acts of kindness – Do something kind for someone. It doesn’t matter how big or small.
- Volunteer – There are so many causes where you can serve with your time, talent, and expertise.
- Be Respectful – It takes nothing away from you to be respectful to someone.
- A Simple thank you – Appreciate kindness, service, and support by simply saying ” thank you.”
- Give your loved one a hug – Show the people you love how thankful you are to have them in your life by hugging them.
- Express your thankfulness – to God for the privilege to be alive and the life that you have.
Benefits Of Expressing Gratitude
When it comes to the benefits of gratitude, they’re numerous both mentally and physically.
Some of these include:
- You’ll have a better attitude and perspective on life.
- Increased happiness.
- Less anxiety.
- A better sense of self.
- Reduced stress.
- More energy.
- Better sleep.
- Lower blood pressure.
Gratitude Quotes
- “Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” – Robert Brault
- “I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new.”- Ralph Waldo Emerson
- “Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.” – Eckhart Tolle
- “The struggle ends where the gratitude begins.” – Unknown
- “Gratitude is the best medicine. It heals your mind, your body, and your spirit and attracts more things to be grateful for.” -Unknown
- “When gratitude becomes your default setting, life changes.” – Nancy Leigh Demoss
- “Let us count our joys. Life’s precious moments that beams a sparkle of sunshine on our hearts and souls.” – Adele Basheer
- “When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love….” – Marcus Aurelius
- “Be thankful for what you have: you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you’ll never, ever have enough.” – Oprah Winfrey
- “God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say thank you?”- William Arthur Ward
- “There is a calmness to a life lived in gratitude, a quiet joy” – Unknown
- “It’s not happiness that brings gratitude. It’s gratitude that brings happiness.” – Unknown
- “The real gift of gratitude is that the more grateful you are, the more present you become.” – Robert Holden
- “Through the eyes of gratitude, everything is a miracle.” – Unknown
- “Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgiving, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” – William Arthur Ward
- “Gratitude is the ability to experience life as a gift. It liberates us from the prison of self-preoccupation.” – John Ortberg
- “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.’ – Melody Beattie
- “A moment of gratitude makes a difference in your attitude.” – Bruce Wilkinson
Conclusion
Gratitude is a must because it’s the essence of your happiness which is possible even when facing adversities. That sounds easier said than done, right?
When life throws curveballs, how you decide to push forward can make a huge difference. Just take a few deep breaths and look at the positive side of things. Start to focus on the little things daily and add gratitude at the very top of your list.
Gratitude is powerful and changes everything. You can choose to stress on what you don’t have and what’s not going right. You know what? you’ll be upset and unhappy. Think for a moment, what good is that to you? Make the choice to show gratitude for your life and what you have and optimism and contentment will be your payback.
