Practicing Gratitude

I just read an interesting article:

Neuroscience Reveals: Gratitude Literally Rewires Your Brain to be Happier

I have found this to be true!

The article states:

“In times of hardship or stress it might seem difficult to be grateful. But if you really think about it, we all have something to be grateful for. If you engage in only one prayer, let it be simply a heartfelt “thank you”. Here are three easy ways to put yourself in the mindfulness of gratitude.

1. Keep a daily journal of things you are grateful for—list at least three. The best times for writing in your journal are in the morning as your day begins or at night before sleep.

2. Make it a point to tell people in your life what you appreciate about them on a daily basis.

3. When you look in the mirror, give yourself a moment to think about a quality you like about yourself or something have recently accomplished.

Through the power of gratitude, you can wire your brain to be optimistic and compassionate, making you feel good. The more you look, the more you can find to be grateful for. This positivity can extend to those around you, creating a virtuous cycle.”

I remember late October last year,

I was in the throes of grief –

when the world seemed

its bleakest,

I decided to write down

three things each day

that I was grateful for

in the month of November

leading up to the

Thanksgiving holiday.

At first it was hard

what did I have to be thankful for?

My love died.

But I started with children,

friends, and grandchildren

and went on from there-

after a week or so

I definitely felt

a brain shift occurring.

My mind no longer seemed to

focus on grief and loss 24/7

as it did before.

I actually looked forward

to writing the list daily.

I already practiced

showing gratitude daily

(because I know how it feels

to be taken for granted).

I will admit that I stopped the list

when December came…

but I plan to take on

the dreaded mirror suggestion

in the article next.

Ugh.

Wish me luck!

217 & 29/365 XO Lisa