Gratitude is an emotion that comes from appreciation.
It's an awareness, a thankfulness of the good things in your life, in you and in the world around you.
Gratitude is a powerful thing.
It can turn any negative into a positive.
It can change how you feel inside.
It can bring hope and happiness.
It can improve your health, your relationships, your career and so much more. It can literally transform your life.
So often in today's society, the negative is sensationalized and the positive is ignored. You see it in the news, in magazines and newspapers.
You hear it in the grocery store, at work and even from family and friends. All of this negativity can be overwhelming to the point of wearing a person down.
If you're feeding into the negativity.
If you're focusing on the negative rather than the positive, you are doing yourself a serious disservice.
You are harming your emotional wellbeing as well as your physical body.
You could be straining your relationships, hurting your career and much more.
When you express gratitude, it diminishes the negativity in a powerful way.
Studies show that practicing gratitude leads to:
A feeling of optimism, joy and satisfaction.
Less stress, anxiety and depression.
A strengthened immune system.
Lower blood pressure.
The ability to bounce back quicker after a traumatic event.
Stronger relationships.
A feeling of being connected to your community.
Feeling less victimized by others or by life.
Being able to recognize and appreciate what you have rather than what you don't.
You becoming more compassionate and empathetic.
A better quality and more rewarding life.
Practicing gratitude changes your perspective on life.
In order to change your perspective, you need to make practicing gratitude a habit.
One of the easiest, and most effective ways to do this is to keep a journal of the things you are grateful for.
Whether you choose to journal in the morning, or at night, or both is up to you.
Pick a quiet time and spend a few minutes thinking about, documenting and appreciating the positive things in your life.
Writing in your journal every day will ensure you stay focused on the positive so the negative can be washed away.
Do it for a month, two months, six months or more.
The longer you do it, the more ingrained it will become in your mind and the more your thoughts will shift.
At first, recognizing the positive aspects may feel awkward, but the more you look for it, the more you will find.
There is beauty all around you.
There is beauty within you.
A smile, a sunset, a friend, a personal goal being met.
These are all things you can be grateful for.
Even if you only find one thing to be grateful for each day, that's okay. It's a start.
As you journal, try to work up to three, five or even ten things a day when possible.
There is no right or wrong way to practice gratitude.
The practice itself is where the power resides.
About the Author: The creator of this Journal, Alun Hill, is the owner of 32 profitable business.
He has long credited a large part of his success to Journal keeping.
By following his notes and advice, you too can emulate this success.
If you would like further training or help, his website at AlunHill.com offers his free 70 page monthly magazine, showing many ways to improve your income and lifestyle.
The newsletter contains no adverts or affiliate links etc - just independent, usable, advice and help.
His many courses on setting up and running small businesses, asking "Would An Extra $1,000 A Month Help You?", are available at Tetmo.com.
These have already sold over 250,000 copies, worldwide.
Alun can be emailed at alun@alunhill.com.
