Lets face it – we all have so much to be grateful for. Whether it be something huge (like a college education) or something small (like a warm cup of coffee), each of us has been given more than we deserve, and we often take many things for granted (myself included!). With it being Thanksgiving, this is the perfect time to reflect on how much GOOD you have in your life.
If you're reading this right now, that means you have a smartphone or computer, which is more than some people have. We complain about our early morning 8am's (again- I am very guilty of this), but through all our grumbles and pressing the snooze button more times than we should, we don't think about how kids in other parts of the world would do anything to go to college, but they aren't given this opportunity.
Try to go throughout your day and notice the little things that you appreciate and make you smile. A short line at Dunkin (always a win), a scarf to keep you warm on your brisk walk, a nice professor who is willing to give you the extra help you need...the fact that you have Odyssey, where you get to reads numerous amazing articles everyday... ;)
Eventually, you will begin picking up on these little things unintentionally, and you'll see a shift in your perspective. You will begin to appreciate your surroundings, that we usually just take for granted.
One way you can try to be more grateful is to keep a gratitude diary. Every night (or once a week), write down five things you are grateful for in a little notebook, or you can even do this in the notes app on your smartphone! It is such a rewarding exercise that only takes about one minute.
It's been proven that being grateful can lead to an increased improvement of your physical and psychological health. Not only does it increase your self-esteem, it also improves the relationships around you. I don't know about you, but I would rather befriend someone who is happy, appreciative and content with their life -- all of which come from practicing an attitude of gratitude.
I can speak from experience, that keeping a gratitude diary is seriously life changing. I began keeping a gratitude diary at the beginning of this year, and I can already see a shift in my perspective. It has challenged me to find the good in some bad and difficult days, but also allowed me to reflect on what a great life I have on my good days.
Imagine a world filled with greed, and a world rich with gratitude. Which kind of world would you rather live in? It's all up to us to decide - and you have the power to make yourself, and the world, a more grateful place!