So I want to talk about being grateful. I feel like many people don’t understand the importance of being thankful for everything that happens in your life. I’m not just talking about being grateful for material things or even compliments…this includes being grateful that you woke up to see another beautiful day in which you can accomplish so many wonderful things! Because I’m such a carefree spirit, I need lists to make sure that I actually get things done, so I won’t fail you, my wonderful readers. Here are some ways that you can be more grateful:
1. Be grateful for the good times.
Whenever good things happen, acknowledge them! I'm not saying to post them all over social media all of the time (but I mean, it's your life so live it how you want), but smile and remind yourself that these good things happened for a reason.
2. Be grateful for the bad times.
Now, this is where I usually trip people up. Why be grateful when bad things happen to you? I'm a person that has known a lot of heartache and loss, but being thankful that bad things happened to you will make the good times so much better. Just think about it, you had to deal with a rough break up all alone...but finding out about yourself and what you can overcome makes you come out so much stronger on the other end.
3. Say hello to everyone you meet.
Ever since I was a little munchkin, I have never known a stranger. My mom has told me stories where I would go up to sketchy characters and ask them how their day was going or why they looked sad and they would always cheer up because someone cared - this is something I wish more people would do now! Even if you're an introvert (like myself), it will NOT kill you to say hi to someone you're on the sidewalk who is awkwardly trying to avoid any eye contact.
4. A smile goes a long way.
So, I'm quite the optimist. I walk around smiling 24/7. Even if you think the other person probably hates you, smile at them anyway. Maybe you've heard the old Sunday school saying "kill them with kindness." Yeah, it works. One of my best friends is someone who used to hate me but gave me a chance when I would always make an effort to make her smile.
5. Three words: THANK YOU NOTES.
I really can't stress how important these are. I know I probably sound like your mom following high school graduation, but thank you notes are so meaningful (Yes, even if you already said thank you in person). I didn't really understand their significance until after my great-grandma passed away. After my mom sorted through her belongings, she found every single thank you notes I had ever written her in a special book. Even if it's not a very long message, write it anyway:)
6. Overuse "I love you." (creds to Lee Brice)
Just to end on an even number, remember to let everyone know how much they mean to you. Tell them how much they have impacted your life. Remind them that you're thankful for them and maybe you'll make those around you remember how grateful they are.
