Gratitude /ˈɡradəˌt(y)o͞od/ the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. Isn’t it easy to be grateful and have overflowing gratitude when life is easy? I find myself spilling over with gratitude on days where my to-do list is light, the house stayed clean, or when I’ve been able to splurge a little on something. I’m fully aware of my many blessings on these days. But what about the bad days? When there are more things to do than hours in the day, toys and clutter litter every inch of the house, or money is too tight for the extras? If you’re like me, you aren’t focusing on how to be grateful on those days. You’re focusing on making it, on getting through today. Me too. I’ve learned a beautiful secret to making it through these moments and seasons, and it’s rooted in gratitude.
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4 Tips for Being Grateful and Nurturing an Attitude of Gratitude
- Daily Reflection
- Keep a Gratitude Journal
- Make a Habit of Praise and Worship
- Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude in Your Children
Daily Reflection
With Thanksgiving being here, so many of us are taking the time to reflect on our blessings, and gifts and notice the abundance all around us, as we should. But, this shouldn’t be a yearly tradition we practice around Thanksgiving; it should be a daily one. Daily taking the time to pause and reflect on what we have been given places our hearts in a position for gratitude. Even on our worst days, we have so much to be grateful for. I find that when my days are rough, I complain more than I say thank you. At some point, something inside asks, “Is there breath in your body?” It’s borrowed – be grateful. This messy house, busy schedule, and energized little ones were once prayer requests – be grateful.
Keep a Gratitude Journal
As you reflect daily on your blessings, consider writing them down. A gratitude journal is a place where you record and reflect on what you are grateful for regularly. Since you’ve already been intentional about looking for the favor and gifts in your day, this will be an easy task for you. What I love most about keeping a gratitude journal is that it’s a permanent record of how much you have to be grateful for. It’s the perfect place to revisit on the hard days. Seeing the hand of God working in your life even just a few days ago provides the strength for walking through the hard times. Amazon is a great place to shop for the perfect gratitude journal!
Make a Habit of Praise & Worship
Have you ever had one of those moments at church where you’re in full-blown worship and time seems to stop? There’s no worry or concern about anything or anyone? That’s what happens in His presence. When we step into the fullness of grace, cast our cares, and begin to praise God simply for who He is, it’s impossible not to be overwhelmed by gratitude. It’s there that we are truly transformed and renewed. So many of us only experience these moments on Sundays, maybe even Wednesdays, because that’s where we’ve limited them to. It doesn’t have to be that way. I encourage you to spend time daily in worship. Maybe it’s a song or a verse that always centers you and ushers you into His presence. Whatever it is, go to it daily. He’ll meet you there, and your peace, focus, and attitude will be transformed and renewed.
Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude in Your Children
One of the best ways to remain grateful and nurture an attitude of gratitude is to cultivate these same traits in our children. When we’re teaching our little ones, we’re mindful and conscientious of the subject ourselves. Here are four bonus tips for cultivating an attitude of gratitude in your children:
- Give them fewer things and more of you.
- Gifts are not the only things to be grateful for. True gratitude is finding the blessing even in the low places. Giving them more of you allows them to experience true and meaningful gifts and life, not materialistic ones. I love spoiling my children, so this is a hard one for me. But watching the gifts given out of love turn into expectations on their part is stopping me in my tracks.
- Teach them to serve others.
- When we take the focus off of ourselves and focus on serving others, gratitude flows naturally. Encourage your children to help around the house, with younger siblings, and look for age-appropriate opportunities for them to serve in the community.
- Make Crafts Centered Around Gratitude
- I love the craft ideas that circulate this time of year. From turkeys to wreathes the conversations my daughter and I have been having are precious. As she lists family members and friends that whom she is grateful, gratitude flows.
- Be the example
- Remember that you are your children’s first and best teacher. Practice taking time for daily reflection, daily praise and worship, and keeping a gratitude journal. Your children WILL notice.
How do you stay grateful in this crazy world? Comment below. Let’s talk!
XOXO, JD
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