“Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny.”
Lao Tzu
Don’t underestimate the importance of the little things, the small things that bring you joy, a fragrance that starts your day with freshness, a smile, and taking the time to savor all the things you feel grateful for.
Because when you look back in your life, those little things were not so little. Those little things are actually the simple ways to Express Gratitude Everyday, thus help you shape your present and future.
Though it seems easy to write them here, being grateful was not my ideal self when I was young. I just exercised recently. As a Chinese descendant, my parents thought it would be good for me to be surrounded with similar background. I appreciated their intentions. But, because my skin color is slightly different, those kids I went to school with enjoyed make fun of me or set me aside from everybody else. Those days were sad. And, along the way, those comments have changed me into ungrateful self of mine.
However, worked overseas and met with people comes from many background, really opened my eyes. I have traveled so far away from home just to find myself that I have been comfortable with.
I am thankful for my husband, family members and friends even strangers who show me kindness and care by being myself.
Being grateful has helped me to cope with anxiety or disappointment, to be patient, and believe everything (or everyone) has a positive side.
Here, I have put together some simple ways to express gratitude on daily basis, hopefully help you through ups and down in life and improving it into a better one at no time.
1. Meditation or just simply sit quiet for at least 5 minutes with harmonious breathing while focusing.
By doing this, you are recharging your body and mind also feeding your soul.
Many experts think of Meditation as a way to increase awareness of yourself and your surroundings, ultimately to reduce stress and develop concentration. For some people, practicing Meditation, helps to develop such as a positive mood and outlook, self-discipline, healthy sleep patterns and even increased pain tolerance. For me personally, Meditation draws me closer with my partner emotionally and gives me positive moods.
In case you need, some beautiful Buddhist music to help you with meditation.
2. In the end of the day, talk about what was your favorite part of your day with your family or friend or write it down on a Journal.
My sister-in-law has an inspiring habit when her family is having dinner. Once all of the members of the family already sit down, she will initiate to ask each of them (even to her 4 year-old lovely daughter), what the most favorite part of the day, in a way to to express Gratitude Everyday. Quite entertaining yet heart-warming to know what is a good day from 4 year-old’s perspective. And, you are welcome to try it at home, otherwise keeping a journal will work too.
3. Love your body by practice to eat healthy, exercise weekly, consider using organic stuff and drink more warm water.
Life can be tough on you at times that’s no doubt but don’t let it get into you and make you become the less best of yourself. When you start to love your body with an act as simple as drink more warm water, you will start noticing your mood and body feels better, you sleep better, and see things clearer. So, what are you waiting for?
4. Be friendly to your surroundings from hold the door for someone behind you to recycle garbage. All act of kindness is count and the best thing is, they are contagious.
5. Go out to the park or your own garden (if any) so you can appreciate what the nature brings.
In every walk in nature, one receives far more than he seeks.
John Muir.
Sometimes just sometimes, you may want to stop every now and then. Just stop and enjoy. Relax and take in the abundance of life.
6. Spend more time with your parents or siblings or family, and tell them how thankful you are having them around.
7. Give compliments to others
Encourage people in the ways they are wonderful, help them to see it in themselves and nurture your ability to appreciate beauty in the world around you.
It is the first act of gratitude that seems difficult, however I hope one of my simple gratitude tips or all seven will inspire you to get creative in expressing gratitude everyday and appreciate for everything happens in our life. So, being grateful allows me to find peace of mind, experience happiness and feel enough in many aspects of life. And, it does to you too.
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