We are all beings of the light who are learning to live according to the values of light. Gratitude helps us to achieve this goal. Today I will describe 12 ways of being grateful in life.
Table of Contents
What Does It Mean to Be Grateful in Life?
Here is an example of a definition of gratitude taken from Wikipedia:
“Gratitude, thankfulness, or gratefulness, from the Latin word gratus ‘pleasing, thankful’, is a feeling of appreciation felt by and/or similar positive response shown by the recipient of kindness, gifts, help, favours, or other types of generosity, towards the giver of such gifts.” – Wikipedia
However, you do not need to look so far. Just read what some famous people are saying. Here are some quotes:
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” – G.K Chesterton
“Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity…it makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” – Melody Battie
“The heart that gives thanks is a happy one, for we cannot feel thankful and unhappy at the same time.” – Douglas Wood
Why Is It Important to Be Grateful?
Gratitude is a selfless act. It acts as a gift that is freely given to someone else.
For example, in the case when someone is sad and you write them a note of appreciation, you are likely not asking for something in return for this person.
Your intention is rather to remind them of their value and express gratitude for their existence. Now, you are not waiting for a “return note” from this person. Gratitude can be contagious, in a good way the person who has received such gifts also starts to notice his/her blessings.
Gratitude helps to release and dissolve negative energy and helps to focus on the positive side of life. You start focusing on your blessings instead of the lack.
How To Be Grateful In 13 Ways
Make gratitude a part of family life, and share it during mealtime. Practise being grateful at the same time to make it a habit.
Be the change you want to see in the world by making gratitude a part of each day. If we all become more grateful all the time, the world will be a better place. Here are the 12 ways of practising gratitude:
1. Write
Keep a gratitude journal and add to it every day.
Make a gratitude collage, cut out pictures of all the things that you are grateful for.
Write a card to someone you haven’t seen in a while and tell them something nice.
2. Be Grateful and Help
Help your parents with a painting of their house.
Help your friends see the positive side of life.
Help an elderly person with doing the shopping and cleaning the house.
Help your sister or brother with paperwork.
3. Say
Remember to compliment your friends and family when they look good
Thank the people who serve you in the community. The shopkeeper, the bus drivers, etc.
Tell someone you love them and how much you appreciate them.
Call your grandparents and tell them you love them.
Say, thank you for the little things loved ones do for you, things you normally take for granted.
Learn about better communication in a relationship – today’s article continues below:
4. Be Grateful and Compliment
Compliment your mom’s dinner.
Tell your co-worker that he or she has a lovely shirt or blouse.
Compliment your boyfriend’s car.
Tell your boss how well he manages the team.
5. Act of Kindness
Reward effort, if someone does something nice for you, do something nice for them.
Include an act of kindness in your life each day.
Send love to your enemies or people you dislike.
Volunteer for organizations that help others.
Call an elderly neighbour and thank them for their presence in your life.
6. Nurture Your Relationships
Nurture the friendships you have; good friends don’t come along every day.
Try to take note when people do a good job and give recognition when it’s due at work.
Spend quality time with your kids
Call your mom more often.
7. Be Grateful and Appreciate Others
Appreciate the blue sky and the times when you can see it reflected by the lake, the sea, the river, or any other kind of water
Appreciate the sunrise and sunset and expect it with anxiety every time.
Appreciate your house, car, computer and all the means which you must make your dreams true.
8. Share Your Gratitude with Others
Share the benefits of gratitude with family and friends.
Post quotes and images that remind you to be grateful around your house.
Share gratitude each day by posting a tweet, Facebook post or Pinterest.
Share your financial resources with the poor and those who need your help.
9. Be Inspired
Learn something from your friend or co-worker. Watch inspiring videos that will remind you of the good in the world.
Notice the beauty in nature each day.
10. Radiate Positivity
Dance and sing
Smile more often.
Speak only the loving language.
When times are bad, focus on your friends who are by your side.
11. Spiritual
Meditate with your gratitude list, giving thanks for all your good fortune.
During meditation, include gratitude for the journey.
Pray for those who have helped you in any way.
Live mindfully, not worrying about the past or future.
12. Invest the Energy of Gratitude
See the growth opportunity in your mistakes. Embrace challenges and turn them into opportunities to grow.
Be thankful when you learn something new.
Focus on your strength.
A Word of Warning Concerning Being Grateful
Always remember to have decent intentions when practising gratitude. It has to come out from your heart, not be done because you want to gain something from others.
Also, be authentic and be grateful when you do feel this way, not forcing yourself. People will recognise fake gratitude and stop trusting you.
In a Nutshell
Practise gratitude as often as possible according to these 13 rules. Good luck with your life transformation. With lots of love and light,
Vicky Herocten
