A lot of these posts tend to start and end with making a gratitude journal, but I can’t say that’s worked for me. I mean, just the idea of staring at a blank page and trying to list off things that I like and feel grateful for is difficult. Staring at any blank page can be difficult.
But, there are other ways to express gratitude and remember to be grateful. Some of these ways are so simple, you’ll probably forget they’re helping you be more grateful.
1. Keep a Jar of Happy Memories
I’ve done this on and off throughout the years, and I always love looking through these. Remembering the fun and meaningful experiences you’ve had during the year is fun and inspires gratitude. As you write them down, you’ll be more grateful and when you read these notes at the end of the year, you will be, too. The best part of this is that you write the memories down right after they happen so you remember the details and aren’t staring at a blank page, willing the things you’re grateful for to appear.
You can even do this in a note on your phone! I’ve been doing that lately, as it’s very convenient and there’s no excuse not to add to it. These can also be wonderful to flip through when you’re having a particularly bummed out sort of day.
{ Related: 10 Good Habits to Start }
2. Say Thank You
We say it often, I’m sure, but sometimes doing so in depth is a wonderful way to both express gratitude and strengthen relationships with others. This can even just be taking the time to remind a friend how much they mean to you or how much your mom’s latest homecooked meal made you happy. Or, this can also be writing a handwritten note to someone who you’re very grateful for.
3. Be Mindful Social Media
I feel the least grateful when I’m using social media and looking through other people’s photos and memories. Gratefulness is often replaced with jealousy and envy and it’s terrible. While deleting social media isn’t always plausible, the best way to combat this is by getting yourself into a mindset of self-awareness before you log on. Use social media when you’re in a good mood or having a particularly good day. Try to avoid it when you’re in a negative mood, as it can be really tough to be grateful for what you have when someone else is showing off what they have. We’re only human.
4. Actively Find Joy in The Little Things
Gratitude begins with being grateful for the little things. I love finding joy in the smallest of small things, whether it be the little cat calendar on my desk or a new lipstick. Life isn’t always going to be trips to Cancun and amazing lattes. Sometimes it’s just your average cup of coffee, so it’s important to be grateful for the small things, especially the things you have on a daily basis. Let them bring you joy!
5. “Don’t Treat a Gift Like A Burden”
I got this quote from Gretchen Rubin, one of my favorite authors and podcasters. I often think of this when I am doing something I love or have gotten a special opportunity and I end up begrudgingly going along or being frustrated about it. This quote reminds me to be grateful for things that I wanted. This is a great quote that reminds me to be grateful, especially when it comes to happy things that require a bit more work and effort on my part.
6. Embrace Bad Moments
It’s easy to say “When you’re sad, think of everything you have to be grateful for!” In reality, sometimes doing that can just make you feel even worse and feel like you’re horrible for being sad when you’ve got so much to be grateful for. Instead, embrace the sad moments. You can try to fix a bad mood and reverse a bad day, but when you can’t, just remember that nothing lasts forever. This moment will end and it’s okay to just be grateful that this bad moment and bad mood will end.
What are you grateful for?
