10 Ways to Practice Gratitude

Phyllis Inspiration 24 Comments

Practicing gratitude in our daily lives is one of the best ways to create a joyful existence. Think about it. When you’re feeling appreciative of the people, places, and things in your life, there is a great sense of contentment and little room for negativity. We can all be more gracious in our day-to-day lives. Here are 10 ways we can practice gratitude daily, and in turn live a more positive and inspiring life.

1. Give one sincere compliment daily.

2. Try to give up complaining for one week. Each time something bothers you, try to think about something positive. (This is easier said than done, I know, but it’s a great way to start.)

3. Get involved in a cause that’s important to you. Whether you donate time, money, or talent, your contribution will be greatly appreciated.

4. Keep a gratitude journal where you record three things that you are grateful for each day. If you have the time, try to do this once in the morning and once before bed.

5. There’s a Thanksgiving tradition where, after saying grace, those seated around the table share something they are thankful for. Why not practice this year round?

6. Say “Thank you.” This is not ground breaking, and most of us do it anyway, but remember to thank loved ones, even for the mundane things that we might normally take for granted.

7. Write a letter of gratitude. Thank-you notes are not only for gifts! Take time and write someone who has made a profound impact on your life. It will bring joy to you both.

8. Look at mistakes as opportunities for growth. We all make mistakes, and when we look back, we usually learn something from them too!

9. Smile.

10. Spend quality time with those you love. Whether cooking, crafting, or taking a walk, make time to really connect with family and friends.

How do you practice gratitude?

Comments 24

  1. The only real prayer is (to me) is a prayer of gratitude. My daily prayer is a prayer of gratitude: Beginning with I am thankful for all I have. I have everything I want and need and more. It goes on and on … I am thankful for family and friends … and for being born in North America, a mere accident of birth.

  2. Gratitude is always in style. It never grows old or out of date. By being grateful we brighten the lives of the people around us. Thus a very special “Thank You” for the lovely posts. I enjoy reading each post and comments. Have a most delightful day.

  3. What a nicer world this would be if everyone practiced these ways of showing their gratitude. I think I am always thankful, but I like the idea of a gratitude journal.
    Thanks Phyllis,

  4. Thank you for the reminder. Writing down what we are grateful for makes our mind focus on positive things. I will be sharing your tips for a moment of inspiration at a meeting in the near future. These ideas are a great antidote for the craziness going on all around us.

    And here is what I am so grateful for every day. In addition to the sounds of chickens, goats, birds all around me each morning, and children’s play-time voices at school across the street, my dear husband makes me a to-go breakfast to help send me on the way down the road to work. And puts some snacks and a sandwich in my lunch bag. How lucky can a gal be?

  5. How do I practice gratitude? By thanking the Lord every day for the
    blessings in my life; my husband, family, friends, health, and freedom.
    Carmel

  6. Well Said!! I read a book a few years ago by Debbie Pearl, Created to be His Help Meet. She gave the idea to make a habit for being thankful for something every time a certain event occurred in your everyday life. ie…when the telephone rings, when you’re stopped by a red light, etc…I used to practice this, so this is a great reminder to start again!! Thank you!!

  7. I so appreciate you reminding us ten ways to have “An Attitude of Gratitude”. I try hard to remember to tell my husband “Thank You” often for all of the tasks he does around the house, that are mundane, but that relieves me from doing them. I also belong to a group of women on Facebook that are all incredible. However, most of us have never met one another. It is a constant flow of caring comments, birthday cards in the mail, prayers for each other, and most of all encouraging words. It makes my day everyday!
    The idea for starting a “Gratitude Journal ” is wonderful. It reminds one to be thankful for the small things as well as the more obvious. I certainly will be sending this along to many of my friends and know they will want to adopt it. I will start my journal by thanking you, Phyllis, for your weekly inspiration and your magazines that indeed make all of our lives more beautiful.

  8. So grateful for these reminders… As I grow older It gets even easier for me to be more grateful simply because the things in life that were so important seem to have faded away… so this means I put more emphasis on what is happening around me like people who need me simply for nurturing, giving them my time or just giving them a phone call just to say how are you doing and just wanted to say hello…. Of course there is nothing like a handwritten note which I always practice because I love to receive them also… Or when you do not have the time to do that just send a caring email like you make time to send a joke, you can find time to do that… Tell your friends and family how important they are to you and how you are so grateful to have them in your life!

  9. Phyllis, Thank You for a beautiful reminder ! My favorite poem suits you perfectly… “Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others; cannot keep it from themselves.” by James Barrie

  10. I kept a gratitude journal for several years but got away from it for some reason. I think it’s time I return to that practice ! Thank you for the reminder.

  11. When my mother-in-law passed away, we found her gratitude journal. She often wrote of simple things like electricity & hot water. It was a great reminder to me.

    Earlier this year, I wrote a note to someone that holds a special place in my heart to tell that she is special to me & why. She told me it brought tears of joy to her eyes when she read it.

    Thank you, Phyllis, for reminding us to be grateful.

  12. “…s/he that has a merry heart has a continual feast.”
    — Proverbs 15:15

    What a difference it would make in our world if we each remembered to be grateful for the blessings we are given. Oh that we treated one another as we would wish to be treated! It would certainly serve to make not only our hearts but that of those we interact with merrier! I try continually to remember to treat those around me with the respect we all deserve.
    Thank you, Phyllis, for reminding us to be grateful…

  13. Thank you for the lovely words. I am thankful for the little things. I’ve often found myself,( well almost every time) being thankful for a tank of gas or an oil change. I used to think, how silly but it’s not silly @ all. I have a lot to learn & certainly need to be thankful of more.

  14. A lexicologist named Barbara Ann Kipfer compiled an amusing little book entitled “14,000 Things to Be Happy About”. Her list includes everything from watching a sunset with a loved one to delicious recipes to Paul McCartney. When I am feeling bad, or at night when I am trying to fall asleep, I think of 14 Things to Be Happy About: things like stop lights, swivel chairs, not giving up, being able to go outside and walk around on my own two feet. I would certainly include Victoria, and Phyllis’s positive attitude!

  15. As always, thank you for yet another wonderful blog!!

    I too love the written word….and personal WRITTEN thank yous.

    All ten gratitude reminders are perfect!! Thanks again for my morning “nudge” to be even better.

  16. I have been keeping a Gratitude Journal for several years now…. I list all the blessings I received during the day and I often look back on these volumes with amazement at how many blessings I truly receive on a regular basis!

    Also, as someone who loves the art of handwritten letters, I totally agree that a short thank-you note to someone who did an act of kindness is indeed a blessing. Not only does the person feel delighted at receiving the note, but also tends to re-create the selfless act over and over again to others.

    I love saying thank you to those who do something kind for/to me as I sincerely find myself a grateful man for noticing acts of kindness, and besides – how much does it really cost us to be kind and acknowledge someone’s act?

    Brandon Hartford
    Te Deum Cottage

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