Gratitude seems to be the buzz word these days. So what is all the hype? Are we supposed to wake up every morning with gratitude on our lips and a smile on our faces? Even during hard times? I have given practicing gratitude my very best shot, and it turns out that the science is correct! Life is sunnier, no matter your circumstances, when you offer up thankfulness. It has changed my life for the better. Here are 9 ways gratitude changes your life forever. Give them a try!
What are the Benefits of Gratitude?
Today we will be discussing these 9 ways Gratitude changes your life forever.
- Brings Peace
- Opens Your Heart to Love Others
- Cultivates Friendships
- Provides an Optimistic Outlook
- Produces Overwhelming Joy
- Improves Health
- Keeps You in the Present Moment
- Helps You Focus on What is Important
- Gives You a Greater Sense of Purpose
Brings Peace
If you are feeling stressed or anxious, try taking control of your thoughts. It takes practice but I promise you that it is worth the effort. Notice the beauty around you. Look up at the sky, take a walk through the trees, pet your dog, hug someone you love. Take a long slow breath and be thankful for this present moment. Don’t allow your mind to wander to the what ifs or the what was. Just dwell on the what is. This verse from the Bible is one of my favorite quotes to dwell on when I need more peace.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus
Philippians 4: 6-7
Opens Your Heart to Love Others
Try practicing gratitude and holding a grudge. It’s truly impossible! You can’t have a heart full of love and hate at the same time. Love leaves no room for hate. In fact, love overcomes hate. If someone has hurt you, it’s ok to forgive them. It’s even ok to begin to wish good things for them. In doing so, you are helping yourseIf overcome the bad feelings that have been left with you. If that person sincerely apologizes and you are able to continue in a healthy relationship with them, then great!
However, sometimes a relationship is just not good for you. If someone continues to hurt, belittle, or just make you feel put down or harmed in any way, it is ok to steer clear of that person. You may need to unfollow them on social media to remove any toxic power they may hold. However, for your own good, you need to let go of the grudge or the pain. Your heart will be free to open up and love others. That’s where the joy comes from!
How to Practice Gratitude
Practicing gratitude can help! When you wake up in the morning, think of three things that you are grateful for. Say them out loud with a smile on your face and prayer on your lips. Your brain chemistry will begin to work for you in a positive way and letting go of the past will become much easier. Practicing gratitude and the power of forgiveness are key to a happy life!
Cultivates Friendship
Have you noticed how you are drawn to people who radiate light and joy? A person with an encouraging word, a ready smile and a twinkle in their eye is a people magnet. A grateful heart is a shining light that points the way to others. If you are feeling dark and gloomy, begin a practice of thankfulness today. Before you know it, your heart will be overflowing with a contagious happiness. People will draw near to you! Another of my favorite verses from the Bible talks about this.
Let your light shine before men, that. they may see your good works, and. glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 5:15-16
Optimistic Outlook
How to have an optimistic outlook is one of the most asked questions these days. It’s not always easy. Life can be hard. Things can happen that knock us down. Sometimes we feel like we have gone down for the count and it can be really difficult to get back up and keep going. There are times in life that we need to reach out to a trusted friend or family member for help. Other times we need to seek counsel from a qualified medical professional because life can deal us some really hard blows. If you are struggling with something difficult, please ask for help.
Choose Joy
Most days, though, we can choose to look at the good things. We can choose gratitude. Our outlook can include optimism for today and hope for tomorrow. It takes discipline, but practicing some of these 9 ways gratitude changes your life forever will pay off. Your life will take on more purpose, greater meaning, and ultimately, more joy.
Overwhelming Joy
Who doesn’t want to experience overwhelming joy? Practice gratitude! If you would like to find the source or true joy, please watch the GREAT NEWS Video on this page. Your life can be changed in a moment! You can experience the well spring of endless joy and eternal life.
It’s not joy that makes us grateful. It’s gratitude that makes us joyful!
Read on for more of 9 ways gratitude can change your life forever.
Improves Health
It’s true! Not only will a grateful heart make you happier, it will make you healthier! You will experience the many benefits of stress reduction, greater energy, and improved mental health. You may experience less aches and pains and likely have more desire to exercise and eat healthful food. Gratitude is good for you!
Stay in the Present Moment
When you pause to gives thanks and dwell on the many blessings in your life, it helps you stay in the present moment. Focusing on the beauty of nature, the love of family, or the fact that God continues to let you enjoy another breath can increase feel good hormones. Take a moment and breathe. Try taking a deep breath in. Now purse your lips and blow the air out very slowly through the tiniest hole you can make. Do this 3 times.
While you practice this exercise, think about the place you most love to be. See it, smell it, hear it, feel it. Take yourself in your mind to this place for which you aremthankful any time you need stress relief. It really works!
Focus on What’s Important
Training your mind to gravitate toward gratitude helps you focus on the important things in your life. Life is short and sweet, so let’s try not to waste time on things that don’t really matter in the long run. Becoming a more joyful and purposeful person is something I work toward every day. A grateful heart is very big part of being able to show others more love and compassion. Thanking God throughout the day for all of my blessings opens my heart to him and brings me so much joy and contentment.
If you would like to have a relationship with God, I want you to know that he loves you just as you are. He sent his only son to save you. You can come to him just as you are. Please watch the GREAT NEWS VIDEO on this page to find out how you can have a joyful and eternal life.
Read on for 9 ways gratitude changes your life forever.
Gives You a Greater Sense of Purpose
Have you lost your sense of purpose? It happens to all of us throughout our lifetimes. It feels bad doesn’t it? When we know why we are here and have a reason to get up every morning, life is more fun. Depression and anxiety melt away. Hope wells up and energy soars.
However, when we lose that sense of purpose, or perhaps haven’t found it yet, it’s hard to feel motivated to do much at all. Where does it come from? How can we find it? Read here to find out more about finding your calling in life. You are here for a purpose. Your life matters.
We invite you to watch the GREAT NEWS VIDEO on this page for the best news you will ever hear. Please don’t miss it!
