Making a gratitude list is a daily practice for some, but in the spirit of thanksgiving you can create your own gratitude list to celebrate the holiday. Writing a gratitude list creates an uplifting and joyous feeling, it allows us to remember that no matter how difficult life can be, we always have something to be grateful for and to be appreciative of. Gratitude lists when practiced regularly can help shape a better attitude and outlook on life because it gives us tangible evidence of our little and of our big victories.
Start your gratitude list by quietly sitting down with a writing tool and a piece of paper. Each item you are grateful for should be written out in full sentence that begins with “I’m grateful for…” or “I’m grateful that…” and ending with “because…,” then state the reasons why you are grateful for that particular person, place or thing. I find the “because” portion of the list extremely important because it requires you to think about the reasons you feel grateful. Your list can consist of specific things like the beautiful sunrise when you first awake in the morning, your job that provides you with the income to live, your sister who is always there for you or your list can consist of more abstract ideas like the ability to communicate well with others, courage and open-mindedness.
Gratitude makes it easier for us to feel less envious of what others have, it helps us live within our means and to be generous towards others. If you are ready to begin creating gratitude lists, thanksgiving is the perfect time to begin your journey to a happier and more satisfied way of life.
“Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.” – Eckhart Tolle
Happy Thanksgiving!
