3 ways to share Gratitude

Do you often find yourself having pity parties?

Do you have to have the 'gratitude' talk with your children more often than not?

Do you want to bring more gratitude into your own life?

Here are 3 easy ways to share gratitude!

There have been many studies on gratitude, and even scientifically proven benefits such as

- improvements to physical health
- improvements to psychological health
- better sleep
- better self-esteem and many more

We all live in a busy world, and I know how much all love the 3 ways and 5 ways blogs I post from time to time, so I know you will be grateful for this one is easy and to the point with 3 ways to share gratitude!

1. Start a Gratitude journal

First, buy yourself a beautiful journal. It doesn't have to be expensive, it just has to make you feel good to pick it up. You could pick up any sort of book and even decorate it with pictures and stickers to make it special. Just make sure it is something you love to pick up and write in.

Next pick a time each day where you will be able to sit, reflect, and write. If need be make a routine such as your favourite cup of tea, your favourite music playing, a beautiful calming diffuser and essential oils nearby.

Then each time, just sit and write, maybe draw a picture of how you feel. You might even wish to use some prompts until you get used to writing each day. Here are some easy to follow prompts you can use until you become more comfortable writing -

Today I am grateful for

- My family.....
- My health.....
- My friend.......
- My job........
- Rain for my garden......
- My memory of my.......

Write whatever it is you are grateful for that day. If you have had a negative tone to the day, look deeply there will be something that you can find in your day to write in a positive way - even if it is just that no bills were delivered today!

At the end of each week, and then each month, go back through and read your entries, and you will soon discover that even on what seems to be the worst of days - there is something to be grateful for. 

2. Write a letter of Gratitude 

Similar to a journal, however, this is a letter of gratitude and appreciation for someone else.

You can also write these to yourself.

I often encourage people to do just that, put it in an envelope, put a stamp on it, and then post it to yourself.  It is lovely to receive positive mail!

However, the main purpose of this blog is to encourage you to write it to someone else. So often these days, especially with social media, people tend to focus on the negative and jump instantly to write when something is wrong, or someone has done something wrong, however not nearly enough people do the same to show appreciation.

So, find yourself a beautiful writing pad - yes I'm old fashioned like that - and find someone each week that you can handwrite a letter of appreciation to - and don't forget to send one to yourself now and then!

3. Perform random acts of kindness 

I can't wait to get out of bed in the morning and see whose turn it is for me to help today!

We are often so caught up in the business of our lives that it can be easy to simply forget to think of others. Often we focus so much on our own 'bad days' or negative thoughts that by simply taking the time out to do something nice for someone else, is the key to our own happiness as well!

I am so lucky that the main part of my 'business' is helping others. Through inspiration, through wellness, and through inspiring them to change their own lives, I get so much out of each and every day that I can't wait to get out of bed in the morning and see whose turn it is for me to help today!

Random acts of kindness are a great place to start when you want to change up your own frequency and make a simple difference to someone.

Here are 10 ideas to get you started!

- Let a car merge in front of you!
- Help someone cross the road.
- Help a child with their homework.
- Wash your roommates' dishes for them!
- Give a generous tip to a cafe server.
- Compliment a stranger.
- Offer to take a picture for tourists.
- Reach out to someone you haven't seen in a while.
- Leave happy mail in a neighbour's mailbox.
- Sit with someone who is eating alone.
- Tell your parents you love them.
- Volunteer your help.
- Praise a child to their parents.
- Forgive someone.
- Visit a nursing home and make a new friend!
- Praise the work of others.
- Write a note to a school teacher.
- Thank a policeman for their service.
- Thank the person who helped you discover wellness!
- Send a gratitude letter!

There are 3 ways for you to share and bring gratitude back into your life! 

I'd love to hear which one you implement and how you felt when you did!