Inside: The Power of Grateful Practice – An Easy to Follow Guide. Plus, a free printable “magic journal” to get you in the daily habit of an intentional practice of gratitude.
First, if you just want to grab the Free Printable Journal, you can do so here.
You can see photos of what’s inside at the end of this article!
Second, if you don’t have the book {that it was designed for}, The Magic by Rhonda Byrne, you can buy it on Amazon here.
Gratitude Defined
The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
What is a gratitude practice?
Have you ever heard of taking a few minutes every day to stop and just sit in gratitude? Perhaps in your faith tradition you take a few moments to pray before a meal or at night you stop and say prayers before you go to be.
It’s kind of like that, but it’s just a bit different.
A gratitude practice starts with a few minutes in the morning to write down a few things you are grateful for and say them out loud. It’s kind of like meditation, but centered around being intentionally and specifically thankful for the things in your life.
🙏The benefits of gratitude
Gratitude has so many benefits:
- it’s calming and peaceful
- helps us focus on the positive
- reminds us of good things in our lives
- helps us appreciate our relationships more
- cultivates happier feelings
- increases self-esteem
- increases generosity
- helps us find meaning in our lives
Why should I practice gratitude?
If you’re like me and have struggled with depression and anxiety, practicing gratitude can make a huge shift. When I feel down, I am focusing on what is wrong with my life. By taking a few minutes each day to say thank you for specific things, it shifts my thinking to what is good and going well in my life.
It truly is a game changer!
Can I Learn to be More Grateful?
Absolutely! For some of us, gratitude doesn’t come easy or naturally. If that sounds like you, creating an intentional gratitude practice is exactly what you need.
When you set aside time just to list out things you appreciate, it becomes a habit. Then you’ll find yourself looking for things throughout the day to be thankful for! Soon, gratidude will become easier and easier.
Observe How Gratitude Connects You to Those Around You.
One of the biggest benefits of an attitude of gratitude is watching how your relationships change! When we become super appreciative of our partners, children, parents and friends, it will strengthen our relationships. Instead of constantly complaining about those we love, we will focus on the wonderful things about them. By doing that, we can forgive more easily when things aren’t perfect.
How to practice gratitude
How do you start a daily gratitude practice?
It’s like starting any other habit. It takes setting aside a few minutes, just 3-4 each day, and sitting down with a journal to list out things in writing that you are grateful for. And not just what but also why!
Keep a Journal of What You’re Thankful for
Saying thanks in your head is fine, but taking the time to physically write down 10 things a day and then saying them out loud is life-changing. There is something about that kinetic connection that helps re-wire your brain to begin to create more positivity and happiness deep within.
Practice Being Grateful for Even the Smallest Things
It’s great to be thankful for the big things! Our families, our jobs, our homes and cars. But when you begin to drill down to the small things, wonder explodes!
I’m thankful for the color pink, soft breezes, clover flowers, comfy robes, and on and on!
It’s the little things that truly spark amazement and joy.
How to practice gratitude when depressed
This can be difficult. When you are experiencing clinical depression, which I have, it’s so hard to even see beyond the cloud. That’s when 10 things might be virtually impossible.
Start with just one. Say thank you for just the moment of awareness. Because it is the awareness that keeps you present. And being present is truly powerful, especially when you are in a dark place.
Free Printable Magic Journal
To help you with your practice, I’ve created a HAPPY RAINBOW MAGIC JOURNAL.
It’s a printable, 28 day, journal for your gratitude practice. It actually was designed to go with a book called, The Magic by Rhonda Byrne.
Just go to this page to grab your copy of the Magic Journal – a printable journal for your gratitude practice!
Here’s a quick look at it:
