During this season of thanksgiving, we hear a lot about being grateful. So, today’s insights are about WHY you should express gratitude, HOW you can develop a practice of gratitude and the importance of appropriately RECEIVING gratitude.

Why is Gratitude Important?

• Resilience: By noticing the big and small things you are grateful for, it increases your resilience by shifting your focus to the good things in your life instead of dwelling on the challenges you are facing.
• Optimism: When you consistently practice gratitude, it shifts your overall outlook on life to one of optimism and hope.
• Positive Energy: Emotions are contagious, and those around you will “catch” your positivity, especially when you outwardly express your gratitude.

How Can You Develop a Practice of Gratitude?

• Keep a Gratitude Journal – start your day journaling about things for which you are grateful
• Prayer – incorporate gratitude into your prayer rituals
• Anchor to an Existing Habit – combine thoughts of gratitude with a daily habit, such as brushing your teeth or washing your hands
• Start with Gratitude – start your business meetings, dinner conversations, or other gatherings by inviting everyone to share one positive thing about which they are grateful or would like to celebrate

How Might You Improve Your Ability to Receive Gratitude?

When someone compliments you for a job well done or thanks you for something, do you say things like “it was a team effort” or “no problem”? For many years I struggled with accepting appreciation and used those phrases to deflect it. And then, when someone pointed it out to me, I reframed my thinking.

Gratitude and compliments are GIFTS. Imagine the other person picking out the perfect gift, wrapping it, and handing it to you. Receive that gift with the THOUGHTFULNESS and INTENTION with which it is being delivered.

• Take a Breath: To break out of old habits, give yourself a moment to respond by taking a breath first and thinking about what you would like to say.
• Choose Your Words: Use phrases, such as “it means a lot to me…” or “it’s my pleasure,” or “I thoroughly enjoyed working with you” to convey sincerity in receiving your gift.
• Share the love: It if WAS a team effort and you want to ensure the team also receives an acknowledgment, invite gratitude for the team AFTER you accept it for yourself by saying, “would you mind if I shared your sentiments with the team, or would you like to do so yourself?”

There’s no time like the present to begin your daily practice of gratitude. Pause NOW to reflect on ONE thing for which you are grateful!

Wishing you the best!