This may feel like a bit of a chicken and egg scenario, especially if you’re at a particularly low point, but believe me, my gratitude practice is probably the simplest ever ways I found to stop a downward spiral and start heading back up again.
Gratitude vs. Toxic Positivity
Before we get into this, I just want to be clear, gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring life’s challenges or pretending everything is perfect. Denying reality doesn’t help anyone.
Gratitude involves acknowledging and learning from all of life’s experiences – the good, the bad and the ugly – but choosing to focus on the positives where possible.
Constantly dwelling on negatives will keep your whole energy down and reinforce that pessimistic outlook. Gratitude, on the other hand, helps maintain a balanced and healthier perspective.
Understanding Perception and Gratitude
You see, our perception acts as the lens through which we view life and the way we view our circumstances can significantly influence how we experience them.
If we fixate on negatives, our reality becomes a mirror of that negativity.
If you want to feel happier and boost your wellbeing, the best thing you can do is shift your focus towards what is positive in life, using gratitude as the key.
A positive mindset (or negative) massively influences the way we experience our life, and gratitude plays a crucial role in this process by helping us focus on positive aspects and projecting positivity into our reality.
The Power of Recognising and Expressing Gratitude
And it really is powerful in so many ways…
To start with, taking the time to recognise and appreciate what you’re thankful for, aligns you with a higher frequency (or energy), which then invites even more positivity into your life i.e. it’s an upward spiral.
By acknowledging the good in our lives, we can develop a buffer against stress, anxiety and depression, making it easier to navigate more challenging times. If you continue your gratitude practice at these times, it can truly help build your emotional wellbeing and resilience so you maintain a sense of balance and bounce back more quickly than you would have if you’d let yourself sink into negativity.
The benefits of gratitude are even more potent if we share them with others, creating a lasting feel-good factor for both you and them. Thanking someone not only uplifts their mood as well as our own but also deepens the connection between you.
Remember the last time you gave someone a gift? Often we get as much joy out of giving presents as we do in receiving them.
…and this ripple effect of positivity can extend way beyond that initial moment.
Start Small: Daily Gratitude Tips
- Gratitude Journaling: Start the day by jotting down three good things that you’re grateful for. Doing this in the morning sets the tone for the day ahead and can gradually shift your focus and improve your outlook. Use questions like “What am I grateful for today?” or “Who do I really appreciate and why?” to guide your reflections and deepen your practice.
- Being Present: Take mindful moments throughout the day to appreciate your surroundings, you can even set a reminder to stop and do this a few times each day. Whether it’s hearing a laugh or appreciating a beautiful view, being present helps anchor gratitude in the now.
- Reflect on Challenges: Consider the lessons learned from difficult situations and find gratitude in the growth and strength gained. This reflection can transform adversity into a powerful tool for personal and spiritual growth.
Gratitude in Action: Your Path Forward
You’ll be surprised at just how quickly you’ll start noticing a happiness boost, how you feel more connected in your relationships and just how much more you’re feeling fulfilled.
As we train our minds to focus on what you’re grateful for, we can reshape how we perceive the world to be more positive and rewarding.
Gratitude isn’t just a fleeting feeling; when it intentionally becomes a habit, it’s a powerful tool that can help you create a happier, more vibrant reality.
And if you’re looking to deepen your gratitude practice further, I’d recommend “The 5-Minute Journal,” available here. It’s a simple yet effective tool designed to help you cultivate gratitude and mindfulness every day.
Start today with small steps and watch as gratitude lights up your life – it’s a game changer!
PS: I’ve created a meditation to help you transition from ‘me-time’ to ‘Mum-time’ with ease. It’s designed to help you let go of the day’s busyness so you can be fully present and cherish those special moments with your kids. If this speaks to you, you’ll find it in the Guides section of my Facebook group, The Fulfilment Seekers Collective