“Gratitude is the lever upon which we can pull ourselves out of a funk.”
Kate Cocker, Everyday Positivity Podcast
This quote is a mainstay phrase on a podcast that I have been listening to for about a year now. With short episodes, a positive attitude, and a continual search for gratitude, Kate Cocker has engrained the importance of positivity and gratitude in my mind.
Gratitude journaling has been transformative for me. I have a template that I try to fill out each day consisting of at least three things that I ams grateful for from that day. Even if my day has been sup-bar and my mood is down, I can find things to be grateful for.
For example, some days all that I write about are small things like:
- The sound of the wind rushing past the windowpanes
- The smell of freshly brewed coffee
- The squeaky-clean feeling of thoroughly brushed teeth
- The warmth of the blanket that my mother made for me
- The sunlight
- The healthy plants in my apartment 🙂
- I am a bit of a green thumb. 🙂
Other days, I can find actions and experiences to be thankful for:
- Consistently washing my face
- Meeting with a friend for lunch
- Reading a book
- Dedicating time to working on an assignment
- Writing a blog post
- Calling family or friends
- Journaling about the day
- Sending funny GIFs back and forth with my friend
- Playing with the dogs
- Going on a walk with my grandmother
These may seem like inconsequential, everyday things, but they add up to a life – my life – and I want to be grateful for them. Everyday, there is something to notice and appreciate, and with a consistent gratitude practice, I have found myself much happier and healthier.
What small, yet great things do you have in your life? What makes you relax, smile, and find a sense of peace and calm? What gets you excited or energizes you?
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