Since Thanksgiving Day happens this month, we’re in high gear for showing gratitude to everyone we know, or we pass by on the sidewalk. This is all fine and good, but how can we practice a grateful mindset beyond this season and throughout the whole year? Here are a few tips:
- Breathe in something you’re thankful for (and then breathe out stress).
- Keep a gratitude journal or list of people, situations, or things for which to be grateful.
- Remind yourself daily that life is a gift and full of potential!
There are days (such as we’re living in now) when life gets hard—really hard—and too many negative thoughts bring about undesirable results. Nobody wants that! So, even on difficult days, gratitude can become a source of light that helps pull us out of otherwise dreary circumstances.
As Christians, we know Jesus is our ultimate hope! Psalm 147:11 reminds us that “The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.” God cares deeply for us. He loves us more than we can comprehend. He cares about the smallest worries that are on our minds.
So, hold tightly to Scripture that brings comfort during times that are otherwise concerning or daunting for you. Another great verse is found in 1 Peter 5:7 where we’re reminded to “Cast all your anxiety on him [God] because he cares for you.”
Pray when you’re feeling overwhelmed and rejoice in thankfulness. The Lord is good, and there are always great things that come from Him.
A resource I highly recommend is One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp. This book is a fantastic tool on this topic of gratitude. It reminds us to live fully present and find thankfulness in the smallest matters of life! This resource also offers a section within its pages for listing daily reasons for which to be thankful.
Focus on thankfulness by replacing your concerns with expressions of gratitude, and then watch how your attitude improves! Find beauty in the ordinary and watch it grow to outstanding. Take control of the overwhelming by reminding yourself to give thanks for the abundance of blessings in your life!