- Ten ways to express gratitude on World Gratitude Day
- Write a gratitude letter.
- List five things you are grateful for
- Practice gratitude for this moment
- Do a random act of kindness
- See the silver lining
- Count your blessings
- Enjoy the world around you
- Start a gratitude Jar
- Celebrate the little things
- Look in the mirror
When we take time to express gratitude and appreciate all the wonderful things we have in our lives, we are happier, healthier and at peace. And if, like me, you write a gratitude journal, you know exactly how it feels – joyous.
Let’s celebrate World Gratitude Day today! Here are…
Ten ways to express gratitude on World Gratitude Day
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Write a gratitude letter.
Think of three people who have done something nice for you. Write a letter to each one of them, appreciating them, expressing your gratitude. Describe a specific event, an experience, things they did or said, for which you are grateful. I’d love to know how you feel after you do this!
Tip: How about making it a handwritten letter!
“We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.” John F. Kennedy
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List five things you are grateful for
What five things are you grateful for, right now? Just jot down the first five things that come into your mind. Then reflect on why you are grateful for each one of these things. This is a great mindfulness exercise and it helps you relive the experience of what you felt good about, again.
Tip: make it a daily habit to list five things at the end of each day, or begin your day with gratitude
“What you focus on expands, and when you focus on the goodness in your life, you create more of it. Opportunities, relationships, even money fl owed my way when I learned to be grateful no matter what happened in my life.” Oprah Winfrey
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Practice gratitude for this moment
Go to the nearest window. Look outside. This moment, find something beautiful in the frame and practice gratitude for it.
Tip: Pause at least five times each day to take a deep breath. And just be. Focus on one thing and appreciate it. You’ll be pleasantly surprised how rejuvenated you feel!
“The happy heart is one that is filled with gratitude. A simple ritual such as bowing and breathing deeply to greet each day awakens joy in us. Each day, each season, each cycle offers something of beauty. Let us notice and give thanks.” Diane Mariechild
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Do a random act of kindness
Do a random act of kindness today to show your gratitude. Compliment someone, smile at someone, spend time with someone…
Tip: Make it a daily practice
“Blessed are those that can give without remembering and receive without forgetting.” Unknown
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See the silver lining
What is one difficult situation you experienced this year? How did you overcome it? Who helped you? What lessons did you learn from it? Do you see the silver lining? Feel gratitude for the person who made it easier for you, or listened to you.
Tip: Practice seeing the positive side of things
“Gratitude is like a flashlight. If you go out in your yard at night and turn on a flashlight, you suddenly can see what’s there. It was always there, but you couldn’t see it in the dark.” Dawna Markova
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Count your blessings
Think about what you do have, instead of what you do not have. Make a list of what you have in your life. Feel grateful.
Tip: Starting now, pledge to appreciate what you have rather than focus on what you don’t have.
“Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.” Eckhart Tolle
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Enjoy the world around you
With the technology overload we live with, we often forget to notice the wonders of nature. Switch off your devices for 10 minutes. Then go for a short walk or a bicycle ride. If you live near the sea, enjoy the beach, the waves. Feel the connection to the universe. Feel grateful for life.
Tip: Make it a habit to spend at least ten minutes in nature every day
“Gratitude is the ability to experience life as a gift. It liberates us from the prison of self-preoccupation.” John Ortberg
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Start a gratitude Jar
Take a large jar or a box. Call it your Gratitude Jar. Each time you’re grateful for something, write it on a slip of paper and drop it in the jar. Watch it fill. Feel the rush of happiness and gratitude.
Tip: Put in at least three notes per day!
“Find gratitude in the little things and your well of gratitude will never run dry.” Antonia Montoya
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Celebrate the little things
Take stock of your routine from the moment you wake up, to the moment you go to bed. Feel grateful for your routine.
Tip: Make a couple of positive changes in your lifestyle and enjoy the result
“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.” Melody Beattie
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Look in the mirror
Yep, you as much as anyone, deserve your gratitude. Look at yourself in the mirror, hug yourself. List three (or more) things you like about yourself, appreciate them.
Tip: Practice self-love every day!
“Gratitude is one of the sweet shortcuts to finding peace of mind and happiness inside. No matter what is going on outside of us, there’s always something we could be grateful for.”
What are you grateful for today?
I’d love to know in the comments!
Better still, how about responding to one of the 10 above?
♥
Thanks to Shutterstock for the lovely image with my favorite coffee!
#OverTheMoon
20 comments
Great advice! I am still starting each day’s journal with five blessings and practice most of the others here and there. Thank you for this reminder.
Darla M Sands recently posted…Autumn is In the Air
Hugs, Darla! I do, too and some days, it is the best thing I’ve done! I also reflect after I go to bed – what three things have I accomplished today? And usually sleep soundly with a smiling mind.
Vidya Sury recently posted…10 ways to express gratitude
I do mark things down that I am grateful for and look around my home, from where I am sitting and think of things I love and am grateful to have like my doggie right now. We need more of this…my hubby has a habit of speaking of all the negative and I try to have him look at the positive because it would help him, me and the overall feel.
Birgit recently posted…Thursday Movie Picks-Teen Angst.
I think some people are actually not negative, but are wired to look at the dreary possibilities first. 🙂 I prefer to focus on the good part so that my efforts are also directed towards good outcomes. And being grateful for what we already have is a great habit to cultivate, Birgit! Hugs!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Udaipur the Venice of the east
Hi sury!
It was great post that encouraged me during my disappointing moment this morning. I looked out of my bed room through the window there is a natural beauty around where I live. The on top of a mountain was amazing. I thanks God for it and smiled.
Amin
Thank you for your kind words, Amin! Glad that you smiled!
Vidya Sury recently posted…3 Safety Tips for the Digital Age
Not only do you make others feel good, you make yourself feel good as well! Great advice.
So true, Lee! 🙂 Hugs!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Udaipur the Venice of the east
Such lovely tips there, Vidya. Look in the mirror — I loved that one. I do that often. After all we need to appreciate ourselves as often as we can. And then writing down the things you are grateful for is something I am doing more often now. Indeed, gratitude infuses more positivity and happiness in our lives.
Rachna recently posted…Exams, Maids and Things From Here and There
It does, indeed, Rachna! 🙂 I can’t help giggling a little when I look in the mirror and tell myself I am enough… yet, it is such a serious exercise, no?
I look forward to having you join me this Thursday for the Sept Gratitude bloghop!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Udaipur the Venice of the east
I love this post. As you know this type of subject is close to my heart! Thank you for sharing your wonderful post at #OverTheMoon. I look forward to what you will share next week! Do something special. Give yourself a standing ovation today! We hope you’ll come back again next Sunday when we open our doors at 6:00 PM EST.
Marilyn Lesniak recently posted…Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones
Thank you so much Marilyn! I am enjoying the #OverTheMoon hop – so many overwhelmingly wonderful posts to read! 🙂 My monthly Gratitude Circle bloghop goes live today and will be up for two weeks. It would be great if you could join me! <3
Vidya Sury recently posted…The Smitten Husband by @sundarivenkat
I am grateful to You and your wonderful words of wisdom! M’wah! I will reblog this next week indeed, for the Jewish New Year. <3 <3 <3 xoxo
Of course, only if that is okay! The reblog! 🙂
lisa pomerantz recently posted…Wordless Wednesday: Let’s have fun!
Of course, Lisa. (Sorry I am a doofus… just saw this!) Mi casa, su casa (my home, your home). Hugs!
Vidya Sury recently posted…How to raise eco-friendly children
You are very welcome to do so. Thank you for your kind words! So glad we’re connected!
Vidya Sury recently posted…How to raise eco-friendly children
Congratulations! Your post was my feature pick at #OverTheMoon this week. Visit me on Sunday evening and to see your feature! I invite you to leave more links to be shared and commented upon.
Marilyn Lesniak recently posted…Hanging Water Garden Giveaway
Ooh! Thank you so much Marilyn! Hugs!
Vidya Sury recently posted…My Life Is My Message
I love these and am very pleased to say that I do the majority already. *pats herself on the back!*
Carol Cameleon recently posted…The best moments in parenting
Aww, hugs, Carol! ❤️ here’s an additional hug!
Vidya Sury recently posted…How to be a Kindness Ninja #WorldKindnessDay #KindnessNinja