Research suggests that gratitude emerges in children between the ages of seven and 10, but emerging and being put into practice are two different things. Saying please and thank you might mean good manners, but it won’t necessarily make you more grateful every day.
If you’re wondering how you can life a lifestyle filled with gratitude, you need to learn how to be your own gratitude teacher. Here are a few simple steps you can take to become more grateful for the things around you every day.
Keep a Gratitude Journal
If you can take ten minutes out of every day to remind yourself of all of the good things that you have or that you’ve done, you’re on your way to becoming a happier, healthier, more grateful person. This is the first step in your happiness training. Keeping a written record of all of these things is important and will help you remember them in the future.
Start Meditating
Not only is meditation training a great way to relax, it’s a great way to process your emotions. Light can’t exist without dark, and gratitude can’t exist without struggle. If you’re struggling with emotions or events, meditation sessions are a fantastic way to sort through these tough times.
Say “Thank You” More Often
The next time you think about apologizing to a friend for an inconvenience, say thank you instead. When you thank someone for helping you, or for predictive dialer being patient with you, you’re putting positivity into the world instead of negativity. Framing things in a positive light is one of those gratitude lessons you’ll use again and again.
Focus on the Present
Turns out that phrase about today being a gift is actually pretty accurate. Focusing on the past or the future can bring on anxiety and frustration, so instead of thinking about the things you can’t change in the past, think about what you’re doing right now to make your future better.
It doesn’t take much to become your very own gratitude teacher. If you follow these tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming happier and more grateful in the future.
