As long as you’re alive, there’s always something to be thankful for.
Despite the current state of the world right now, gratitude is a feeling that should never be lacking in our lives. Why? Because it gives us solid reasons to forge ahead. Gratitude helps us to feel our positive emotions more, relish the good experiences, thrive in good mental health, cope with adversity, and build better interpersonal relationships.
While gratitude does not necessarily mean you’re on a bed of roses and everything is perfect, it represents a mindset of appreciation for the things we do have. In this day and age, people are obsessed with having the best of everything there is. We want the most luxurious homes, jobs that pay staggering sums, flashy vehicles and so much more. While there’s nothing wrong with seeking the good things of life, we shouldn’t let it blind us to what we have already been blessed with.
If you have a home where you lay your head peacefully and safely at night, it’s something to be thankful for. People who love you and would go to the ends of the earth for you, a job that covers your bills and keeps you afloat; a functional car that serves every day; good mental and physical health; in the end, you’d find that for everything you have, someone somewhere is wishing they had just a quarter of it.
While seeking better heights for yourself, never lose sight of the blessings you’ve already counted.
While the world battles a painful pandemic that’s taken and is still taking so much from us, here are 7 ways to always appreciate what we always have [1]:
1. Stop comparing yourself to other people
“Do you know who you are? You can reach the stars and set them into the shape of a heart,” – Anonymous.
Comparison has always been an expert thief of joy. The next time you want to beat yourself up over something you don’t have that someone else does, remember that everyone has their own weaknesses and strengths and people only portray what will speak volumes about them. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side – It’s greener where you water it. You alone are responsible for who you are and what will you be. Comparing yourself to other people will only breed negative and suffocating feelings of jealousy and envy, and you deserve much better than that. Go through life at your own pace. Be determined, be consistent, and be grateful. In due time, everything that is yours will come to you.
2. Shed the negativity
Light and darkness can never co-exist in one space. You have to let out all the negative emotions plaguing your mind so the good vibes can take over. Shed all the hatred, anger, animosity, bitterness, fear, panic, and guilt. They will only weigh you down, consume all your energy and blind you to the things that truly matter. The best way to this is to enter your mental space and take over it. Reframe your thoughts and set yourself free from the stifling cages. Your mind belongs to you – don’t let negative energy take over what is yours.
3. Make gratitude a part of your daily routine
When you wake up in the morning, be thankful for the first breath you draw. Teach yourself to feel happy and thankful for your daily bread. When you lie down to sleep, be grateful for the shelter and safety. The beauty of life lies in the simplest things we often take for granted. Be happy when you set eyes on your children, family, and friends. These are people who are proud to identify themselves with you – if this isn’t something to be thankful for, then I don’t know what is. Internalize a habit of thankfulness, starting from the first moment you witness every day.
4. Speak light and love onto yourself
You don’t necessarily have to verbally speak the words out so everyone will hear– and probably think you’ve gone crazy. You can communicate with your inner self and remind yourself why you are here in this world. You’re here to be great, to spread love, to make people happy and be a source of light and hope. You are a strong person, and you should never fail to remind yourself of that. Caution yourself when you begin to go astray, and applaud yourself when you excel. You are responsible for your own growth.
5. Internalize little moments of positivity
Allow yourself to zone out once in a while. We live in a world where we are almost constantly on auto-pilot, where many of us are going through life as though it’s a string of mechanical processes. We need to call ourselves back every now and then and take stock of everything that we’ve achieved so far. Appreciate the people you’ve built wonderful relationships with, your successes, the milestones you’ve completed, and all the hurdles you’ve jumped. Drink in these moments and let them warmth spread all over you – you deserve it.
6. Always stay true to yourself
Don’t let your quest for bigger things turn you into something you’re not. People have gone rogue, selfish, wicked, wild and unfeeling because they are aiming for greater heights. Never shed your principles and values for anything. You know yourself better than anyone else, so don’t let anything take away you’re the true essence of you.
7. Smile. Just smile.
Even when you’re down and sad, just smile. Smiling has a way of bringing good vibes your way. Don’t just let the smile end on your face – try to let it reach your eyes and warm your heart. Wear a smile all over because it keeps you shining, gorgeous, and winning.
References
- “7 Ways To APPRECIATE WHAT YOU HAVE Right Now.” iHeart Intelligence. Kristina Ivanova. Retrieved April 14, 2020.
- ” Coronavirus: Symptoms, Prevention & Natural Options.” The Hearty Soul. Dr. Jockers. Retrieved April 14, 2020.