5 Things You Can Do to Develop an 'Attitude of Gratitude'

5 Things You Can Do 

to Develop an 'Attitude of Gratitude'

Mackenzie Wright

Thank you, Gracias, Merci, Danke, Mahalo—no matter what language you speak, gratitude is universal. Sometimes we get so busy that we forget to count our blessings. Other times, we are so focused on the negative and our individual problems that we lose sight of all the gifts we have. Being thankful can improve our outlook on life. Here are five things you can do to develop an attitude of gratitude.

1. Say Thank You

It sounds obvious, but saying thank you on a regular basis becomes a habit. Don’t just save your thank you’s for special occasions or when someone does something nice. Take every opportunity to express your appreciation. Say thank you to the barista who makes your latte just right. Express thanks to a coworker for helping you with a question or issue.

And don’t limit your gratitude to just people. Say thanks to your pets for their love and affection. Also remember to thank the Universe for its love and support. Even give thanks for the simple things like arriving safely to work or not having to wait in line at the supermarket. Continually look for occasions to say thank you.

Being thankful can improve our outlook on life.

2. Start a Gratitude Journal

Starting a journal devoted to gratitude is a great way to improve your attitude. Writing about those things you are thankful for can be eye opening. Sometimes we don’t realize how fortunate we are until we put our feelings into words.

Even if you’re not sure where to start or what to write about you can still do a journal. Start with a simple topic like sunshine. Why are you grateful for sunshine? Then just start writing the first thing that comes to mind. You might write something like, “Sunshine makes me feel warm and happy.” Or start by writing about a loved one. Why are you grateful for your spouse, family member or child? Before you know it you’ll be on a roll!

3. Make a Daily Gratitude List

If you find that a gratitude journal is too big a task to tackle, then try a daily gratitude list. We make lists all the time for things like chores and groceries—why not do a list for something fun?

Every morning before you get up or before you go to sleep at night, list ten things that you appreciate. You’ll be surprised at how quickly your list grows!

4. Start a Gratitude Jar or Box

This one is especially fun for kids. Decorate a large glass mason jar or a shoebox. Next, cut some strips of colored paper. Either every day or once a week, take one of the strips of paper and write down something you are thankful for. Place the paper strip in your jar or box.

At the end of a month, six months or a year, open the box and read your notes. It’s a fun and enjoyable activity! Many people choose to wait until Thanksgiving Day to read their notes and share them with family and friends.

5. Take a Gratitude Walk

Most people enjoy a nice walk every now and then, but sometimes forget to stop and smell the roses. Instead of focusing on your destination, focus on gratitude. Appreciate the journey. Give thanks for the solid earth beneath your feet and the life sustaining air to breathe. Be grateful for your body and its ability to take you where you want to go.

Take a gratitude walk as often as you can. It doesn’t require a great deal of time or a long distance. As little as ten minutes can reframe your mind and improve your attitude.

Developing an attitude of gratitude can be fun and easy. Try these five simple tips and let them inspire you to make every day a day of thanksgiving!

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http://www.psychicsuniverse.com/articles/spirituality/attracting-positivity/5-things-you-can-do-develop-attitude-gratitude