When I ask adults what they are grateful, sometimes they struggle.
To help them, I usually give examples of simple things that we take for granted. Once a man said, “but they have been there all my life.” He didn’t see the reason to count them under the list of gratitude. Many times we don’t realize extraordinariness of the ordinary experiences in our lives and feel the emptiness.
On the other hand, kids have an easier time. They are so cute and see the significance of simple blessings that surround us. I recently had the privilege of being with a few first graders for 15 minutes. I asked them; “let’s make a list of all the things we are grateful for until your teacher comes. She would be impressed.” I checked if they knew the meaning of the word grateful and they said it means thankful. Here’s the list they came up with the prompt:
TYAF {Thank you, Allah (God) For}.
- God
- dad – parents
- family
- Christmas presents
- Xbox
- Wii ( game)
- Legoland
- bowling alley
- eyes
- my little brother (brothers and sisters)
- brain
- prayers
- dog (pets)
- world
- food
- drinks (water and juice)
- legs
- arms/hands
- cars/trucks/buses
- teachers
- close
- shoes
- jackets
- bed
- house
- electricity
- blankets
- Ink/marker/board
- table/chairs
- forks/spoons/napkins/plates
Then they added their names to the list as they were thankful for themselves.
Inspiring!
Can you come up with at least three things you are grateful for every morning?
If you do, it will enhance your contentment in life. If you don’t practice some positive routine like this, you will be at risk of feeling stress and emptiness.
I have practiced the list of gratitude journal myself for the last 14 years and seen it’s a positive impact on my life. I have witnessed its a powerful impact on the level of health and happiness of many clients who have adopted the practice. Now I am on a mission to help you enjoy its benefit too.
I encourage you to start your list of gratitude practice today.
If you don’t like to write in a journal, open the notes section on your phone and make an entry of 3 words you appreciate in life. It may take less than a minute but can make your whole day feel much more positive. If you like to write in a journal, my upcoming Stress to Joy Guided Gratitude Journal may help you. I have packed it with prompts, inspiring quotes, and provoking ideas to help you immediately shift into a place of gratitude. Pre-order copies for yourself, friends and family today. What could be a better gift this year than the ultimate tool for joy, peace, and contentment?
Don’t miss out! For tools to help reduce your stress and maximize your joy sent right to your email, sign up today. In addition, you will get an instant download of a 1-minute relaxation exercise for busy people.
Dr. Rozina
#1 Best Selling Author, Speaker, and Psychiatrist
www.drrozina.com
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I share many tools and techniques that I have found to be helpful. They are not intended to replace treatments. Please seek treatment from licensed medical or health professionals as needed. I change all names for privacy.
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