3 Reasons You Should Practice Daily Gratitude

Do you practice daily gratitude?

I did not prior to this series! I struggled to stay consistent. It's not like I don't like practicing gratitude. But life is full of distractions. Sometimes those distraction appear to be good for you too! Before this month began, "good" distractions stopped me from consistent gratitude practice. I love watching funny clips and videos on YouTube. I'd laugh, feel "warm" inside, and would forget about intentional gratitude practice. The seemingly "good" distractions aren't long-lasting. So I knew it was time get serious and practice gratitude everyday by ignoring distractions, whether good or bad!

Here are a few reasons why you should practice daily gratitude:

1) Practicing gratitude shifts your mindset.

If you read this post or follow me on Instagram, then you know I needed to focus on gratitude to shift my mindset. I have been in a serious funk lately! I figured that gratitude would be a good way to counteract this attitude of mine. My hope was that I can practice gratitude while still holding space and acknowledge the bad situations and circumstances, but not letting those things consume me.

2) Practicing gratitude can help give you a calmer disposition.

Practicing gratitude puts me in a good mood! I'm usually calmer and less stressed after thinking or writing about what I'm grateful for in my life. I would describe gratitude practice like a breath of fresh air. If (more accurately, when) my anxiety rises during the day, gratitude is one of the tools I use to address my anxiety. In fact, I'll meditate on the things I can control in that situation rather than the things causing me anxiety that I cannot control. Then, I express gratitude for the things I can control.

3) Practicing gratitude helps you focus on the things, people, and experiences that truly matter.

We're only one week into gratitude practice for the month of November. I haven't experienced life-altering changes just yet. But I do recognize that I'm less concerned about materialistic things. I feel full from the people, places, and things I just held space for in my gratitude practice.

Be sure to check out these resources for more information about the benefits of practicing gratitude: Article 1 and Article 2.

Today's Prompt

Identify one personality trait or other thing about yourself that you are grateful for. Hold space for this gratitude by acknowledging it and giving thanks.

My answer to this prompt would probably change every other day! But today, I'm grateful for my determination. When I'm tired and stressed, my determination pushes me to keep striving for my goals.

So, how's your gratitude practice going this month? Have you been consistent?