By: Tiffany Liu
Noun
grat·i·tude | \ˈgra-tə-ˌtüd , -ˌtyüd \
a feeling of appreciation or thanks
This one word will change your life if you allow it to. As I ride in the car, looking out the window, I think about how lucky I am to be living the life I am. Of course, we all have moments when we sulk in misery, silently complaining about how terrible our lives are; however, instead of focusing on the pessimistic side of things, look at what you already have. As cliché as it sounds, gratitude can change everything.
Think about it. There is no such thing as a perfect life. Everyone has their troubles. No matter how much you focus on it, the problems won’t go away; and if they do, more arise. Focusing on the negative side of things will only put you in a bad mood. Instead, if you think of what you have and appreciate it, you will immediately feel happier. Obviously, you should not disregard your problems, but rather find ways to relieve them while also appreciating what you have. By demonstrating gratitude, you can also influence the lives of others. A simple “thank you” goes a long way.
Here are some tips for gratitude:
Make a list of a few things you're grateful for every morning. Whether you do it in your head or write it down, appreciating what you have is a great way to start your day. These things can range from people in your life to the opportunities you have. Simple things like having a roof above your head or the ability to read also make a big difference.
Find ways to release negative emotions. Many express themselves through music, dancing, working out, shopping, or things they enjoy. Bottling up these emotions is unhealthy, and releasing them will allow positivity.
Surround yourself with people you love. Spend time with people who care about you and value your relationship with them. The people you surround yourself with should recognize your value and respect your boundaries. Address any tension in a relationship and cut out toxic people.
Thank someone. Consider writing a thank you letter, or calling someone to tell them how much you appreciate them. This someone can even be yourself! Appreciate yourself for how hard you work, and pride yourself in the way you treat others.
Don’t take everything for granted. For example, before the pandemic, many of us took a lot for granted. Once the pandemic kicked in, we realized how convenient our lives were pre-virus. If you don’t take something for granted, you will likely appreciate it more.
Hopefully, this list of tips helps to instill a greater sense of gratitude in you. If you’re trying to have a better day, try some of these tips. Do it for yourself. You deserve it.
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