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    The Art of Gratitude

    by SimpleLaw on
    Attorney Wellness

    The old adage is completely correct. The more grateful you are, the more there is to be grateful about. So as we move toward Thanksgiving and the oncoming holiday season, we believe it's critical to take a moment and refocus. After all, this time last year, getting together with family and friends was not a great idea for many people around the world. One website that's a big favorite to help keep our minds right is Gratefulness.org. If you are interested in increasing your gratefulness practice, I highly recommend it.

    Take A Beat

    This is a popular one in our family. With our kids in college, working hard through some less than typical times, and my husband and I working from home, it's just all so different. And because classes and work are always within arms reach on our devices, it's tough to put it away. Here are the steps to follow:

    • Close your eyes
    • Take a deep breath counting to four
    • Hold your breath for four
    • Release your breath for four
    • Unclench your jaw
    • Drop your shoulders

    That's it. It takes a matter of seconds. Do this whenever you think of it throughout the day. You can even set a reminder to do this one in the morning and once in the afternoon, and even before bed if you are having trouble sleeping.

    Make a List

    What are you thankful for? Come up with 5 things. It may be family, friends, or something work-related. There are no wrong answers here.  Write them down somewhere - a journal, notes on your phone, or wherever you feel comfortable. Some people prefer to take a picture of the things that make them grateful. Whatever works for you! But try to come up with 5 things each day without repeating them too often. Keep that list going. Whether you do it daily or weekly, keep that habit going. 

    Then, when you are having a bit of a rougher day or something happens that is a disappointment, refer back to that list. It always helps to remind yourself of the things you are grateful for when you have a tough day. Be sure to watch this TedTalk on gratefulness. There are many other videos out there, too. Take a moment and find the approach to gratefulness that works for you. 

    Speak Up

    If you are grateful for someone, tell them. It puts your thoughts into action. As a result, you feel positive too because you see how your positive feedback lifted that person. You don't need to say you are grateful... you can say thank you, or just do something small for that person. Whether it's slowing down and really listening to others instead of thinking about your to-do list, or listening for understanding versus response. Challenge yourself to be really present. Let others know, through words and/or actions, that you appreciate them. 

    Random Acts of Kindness

    These little acts put that gratitude in motion. If you are thankful for some good fortune that came your way, pay it forward. Or maybe the opportunity to pay it forward presents itself and you feel like stepping up. It could be popping a quarter in the expired meter of a parked car, holding the door open for the person behind you, or even just taking a moment to really look the person in the eye when they take your coffee order and connect a bit. 

    Whether for Thanksgiving or the upcoming holiday season, be sure to stay focused on being grateful. The season gets busy and we all have a tendency to feel overwhelmed by that to-do list. It's ok to slow down a bit here and there. And be sure to focus on being grateful. There are always things to feel thanks for if we just slow down enough to notice.

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