This time of year I find myself wishing that I was more thankful on a daily basis. Periodically, I’ll shake myself (mentally) and say “I’m breathing, I’m alive, I’m on the right side of the dirt. I can think for myself. I can walk, run, swim. I have family that loves and cares for me. I have a job and friendly co-workers.”, etc. Having been in a car accident a number of years ago that left me in bed for a few months, I have a concept of how certain abilities can be taken for granted. I was lucky to have that experience and take something positive out of it.
Since that accident, I have done my best to be thankful more often. To show gratitude for the simple things. But, life often gets in the way, as it does. Work, family, life – can be stressful and demanding.
Over the years, I’ve come up with a few small things that help bring gratitude to my life on a more regular basis. If you’re looking for more thankfulness, maybe one of these strategies will work for you.
- Framing and Pairing. Growing up my dad asked us at dinner every night what we learned that day. At the time, I hated the routine. I felt as if nothing I had “learned” was worth noting. But, as an adult I realize the habit fostered curiosity and gratefulness. It started conversation. It made me take a moment and reflect. Now, at our family dinners, we’ve put our own twist on this tradition. We say one thing we are grateful for or one positive thing that happened that day. This moment of reflection allows me to review my day (even if it was a horrible one) and find the silver lining. I am able to FRAME something in a positive light. It takes some getting used to, but overall, the effect makes me more grateful for what I have in my life, and less concerned with what I don’t have. Another trick, if you find it hard to start a new habit (and partly why we do this at dinner) – PAIR your new habit with a habit you already have – like eating breakfast, lunch or dinner.
- You GET TO… I can’t remember who I first heard this trick from, but I’ve seen it talked about a number of times over the years. It’s another strategy to re-frame your experience. You know when you speak to people about things you have to do? You have to take out the trash, you have to finish that report at work, you have to take the dog on a walk, etc… The trick here is to realize that you GET TO do those things as opposed to have to do those things. Seems simple, but it automatically triggers a more positive experience. You’ll start finding gratitude in the strangest places.
Perhaps one or all of these strategies will allow for more thankfulness and gratitude in your life.