Gratitude: A Lover Girl's Reminder

Thank you so much for coming back lovely readers! If you're new here, welcome! Tonight's blog is about gratitude. What is it?

Gratitude to me, is recognizing and appreciating the good things in your life. It's about celebrating the positive aspects, no matter how small they seem, and expressing thanks for them. This little and simple shift in focus can change your perspective and improve your overall happiness and life!

Let's face it, it's easy to get caught up in what we don't have, or what's going wrong in our lives. With today's societal norms, aren't we all doing horrible? We stay in this never ending, all consuming cycle of upgrades and lose ourselves in unrealistic diets and unmaintainable social/work/personal standards. So much so that we forget to "stop and smell the roses". 

This got me thinking about how easy it is to forget the importance of gratitude and how it can absolutely transform our lives. Gratitude helps build resilience by allowing you to see the good, even in challenging situations. Studies have shown that practicing gratitude can also reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. What do you know?! America's top two mental illnesses. 

It makes so much sense to me. By simply waking up and choosing to be thankful and grateful for the littlest blessings, it helps shift your focus from negative thoughts to positive ones. Although easier said than done, once you form a habit it becomes an embedded part of you. Why not start now?

Some easy ways to practice gratitude could be:
1)Keeping a gratitude journal. Filling the journal with things you are grateful for. These things could be as simple as a sunny day, a good meal, or a kind/loving gesture from a friend/partner. 
2) Expressing thanks. Take the time to thank the people in your life. Whether it's a heartfelt note, a text, or any type of verbal acknowledgement, expressing your gratitude can make a big difference and start a chain reaction.
3)Mindful moments. Throughout your day, take a moment to pause and reflect on what you're thankful for. This can be done in your morning routine, while eating, commuting to work, or before going to bed.
4)Gratitude meditation. Incorporating gratitude into your meditation practice, focusing on the things you are thankful for. Let that feeling of appreciation fill your mind and body.

I started my gratitude journey recently, and it has definitely shifted my mental state to be more positive. Admittedly, I get so lost in the thoughts of worry and doubt that I lose sight of the blessings right in front of me. Making this change has already benefited me in numerous ways and I truly hope that after reading this, you can experience the mental shift I have. I ask you, lovely readers, to take a moment after you read this to reflect on what you are grateful for and how it has changed your life for the better.

I leave you with the lyrics from one of mine and my wife's "songs". When we heard it for the first time, it was in a crowd of over 100,000 people at what felt like a magical music festival, fireworks lit the sky, our eyes locked, and tears came pouring down our faces with an overflow and whole new appreciation of our love.

Titled "Gratitude" by Above & Beyond 

There are moments in the day
When I just lose myself in sorrow and forget

How the sky has been much bluer
And my life just so much sweeter since we met

You make my day, with what you say
A world of calm, inside your arms, I hope you know

The love you bring, the song you sing, I overflow
I hope you know, I hope you know

My current mood
Is gratitude