Trying on an Attitude of Gratitude

With Thanksgiving around the corner, are you moving into a gratitude mindset? What does it mean to have an attitude of gratitude? It's about appreciation for all of life's gifts. No matter what your circumstance, there is always something to be thankful for. In fact, studies have shown that ruminating on the positive increases feel-good brain chemicals which is good for your health as well as your relationships.

Like most things, we tend to attract whatever we put out into the universe. So if you're in the mindset of being grateful for all you've got, then you're opening the door for even more good fortune, wonderful people, and promising opportunities to come your way.

Just like the early American settlers enjoyed the culmination of their hard work in the form of a huge celebratory meal, Thanksgiving is the time of year when we reflect on all the good things we've been bestowed, and the people who matter most to us.

If you'd like to increase positivity in your own life, cultivating an attitude of gratitude is a great place to begin. Instead of just saying one thing you're thankful for around the holiday table, why not take it to the next level, and practice an attitude of gratitude in all of your daily doings?

Exercise 1: Trying on an Attitude of Gratitude

You may not be used to looking at the world around you through optimistic eyes. If you're not, that's okay. This exercise is meant to help you grow and increase your awareness of the world and all of its wonder. That doesn't happen without concerted effort.

Start with something simple. Just like any goal, it takes practice to turn a new way of thinking into a habit. If you're used to griping and complaining, then you might just kick off your attitude of gratitude by thinking of one thing to be thankful for each day.

You can do this exercise at any point in the day that feels right for you. If you're not a morning person and tend to feel grumpy until you've had your coffee, then don't force a positive mental outlook until you're awake and mentally warmed up.

Or, if at the end of the day you tend to feel wiped out and weary, then don't force the attitude of gratitude exercise at this time. Perhaps a mid-day reflection or some quiet time in the afternoon will bring out the positive in you.

This exercise is supposed to make you feel happy and satisfied… not like a chore that you're obligated to attend to because someone told you to.

So, when all conditions are right for opening the door to positive thinking, ask yourself: what good things happened today? What do I have to be thankful for?

Journal It.

If you feel it, write it down. A written journal can help you on your path to self-discovery and see what positive changes come about simply by having an "attitude of gratitude."