What are you grateful for?  This seems like such a simple question.  However, when you really think about gratitude, you start to realize that truly understanding what gratitude is, isn’t as easy as it sounds.  Gratitude is more than being thankful.  It is a state of mind.  When we are grateful, we are calmer and more peaceful.  It makes us more aware of the positive things in our lives.  In essence it makes us mindful of our blessings.  Another important thing to understand about gratitude is it isn’t just an emotion that comes when we feel thankful.  It is also a practice that can be cultivated.  Here are some ways you can start cultivating gratitude in your life.

Keep a Gratitude Journal

A good way to start developing gratitude is to keep a “Gratitude Journal”.  Make it a point to write down at least three things you are grateful for on a daily basis.  It can be something as simple as being thankful for a cup of coffee, or someone who is a treasured part of your life.  If you are having trouble thinking of three things to be grateful for that is ok.  Write down what you can think of and be mindful of any thoughts or feelings that are preventing you from thinking of more.  After just one week of writing down the things you are grateful for, you will notice an increased sense of happiness that can last for months.

Remember Your Struggles

In order to be grateful, you have to know what it is like to have come through hard times.  This gives you a comparison between positive and negative experiences.  Remembering the hard times gives you an appreciation for the good times.  Making it easier to have a sense of gratefulness.

Focus On the Small Things

When you are finding it particularly hard to be grateful due to a stressful situation, it is important to focus on the small things that are good in your life.  Focusing on the small things will help you build a mental bridge to start noticing the big things.  This will give you the extra leverage you need to start changing your state of mind.  It is impossible for you to feel two contradictory states at once.  So, it is impossible for you to feel stressed and grateful at the same time.

Share Your Gratitude with Others

Finally, let others know you are grateful for them.  Letting others know how grateful you are for them spreads gratitude in the world.  They will be grateful you took the time to let them know how important and special they are to you.  You can write them a thank you letter, send them a card, or tell them directly.  This will strengthen your relationship with them.

It isn’t hard to create an immediate sense of gratitude.  Just take a moment to take a few deep breaths, close your eyes, and think of just one thing or person you are grateful for.  Focus on that feeling and let it expand through out your body.  It is as easy at that.  As you begin to cultivate gratitude in your life, you will notice you are happier.