Having The “Attitude of Gratitude” is NOT just for Thanksgiving Day !

I truly believe that if you focus on the positive aspects to your life you feel better and magic can happen !

Simply starting your day with the attitude of “I believe the world is plotting to do me good today. I can’t wait to see what it is” is a really simple mindset that shifts you from the “pity party” mindset of being a victim to hopeful  possibilities.

As today is Thanksgiving Day I read with interest a study in Psychology Today about the benefits to having what I call the ” Attitude of Gratitude”

Science tells us that an “attitude of gratitude” is a good health choice. Being more grateful more often makes us happier and more optimistic and it requires little time and no money!

Here are a few simple thoughts to ponder!

Gratitude improves relationships – being grateful for people around you with their contributions, their talents and their actions improves your family relationships, it also easily nurtures your child’s self esteem and self confidence  ( so make sure you let them know how you feel!)

Gratitude reduces negativity. It’s hard to be negative about your situation when you are thinking about things for which you are grateful. One of the fastest ways to improve your mood or outlook is to count your blessings.

Gratitude improves problem solving skills. More often  than not, we look at problems with a very tired, overwhelmed view. “Something is wrong. We only focus on the  barriers in our way, so we then have to put in a real effort to fix whatever is bothering us. Conversely, when we think about what we are grateful for we open our minds up to new possibilities and connections. We also enter a problem solving situation with a perspective of improvement and opportunity rather than challenge or issue.

Gratitude helps us learn. Every dark cloud has a silver lining. Behind every problem lies an opportunity. Being grateful for our situation – even if we don’t like everything about it – allows us to be thankful for the opportunity to learn something new and develop ourselves.

I keep a  “Attitude of Gratitude” diary by my bed that I write in every night and that’s why I created my Positive Parent Journal for you to download and do the same each night just before you fall asleep so your unconscious goes to work on your blessings.

Start right now by:

Making a list of five things that you are grateful for right now. These can be big things (like your family, your partner, your home) or little things (like the fact that someone held the door open for you this morning). This can be a mental list but it’s so much better written down.

Do it now !

2. Reflect on your list and allow yourself to feel good about these things.

3. If there is a person you can thank or show your appreciation to, do that now too (a quick call or email is a good start!).

Have a very Happy Thanksgiving – enjoy your special family time and remember …..

Gratitude is an attitude. Gratitude is a choice. And gratitude is a habit.

The Benefits of Being Thankful