Why should we be grateful?

Gratitude puts situations into perspective. When we can see the good as well as the bad, it becomes more difficult to complain and stay stuck.

Gratitude helps us realize what we have. The awareness of what we’re grateful for can lessen our tendency to want more all the time.

Gratitude makes us happier. Gratitude strengthens relationships, improves health, reduces stress, and, in general, makes us happier.

– Quoted from Unstuck

Write a list of all that you are grateful for.

Take a moment and take in life around you. And smile. Breathe out.

Jot down a list of anything that comes to mind that you’re grateful for, or type it in your phone. Keep this ongoing list.

Each day, try to add something to this list. Can you add 5 things each day that you’re grateful for? Even adding just 1 will get your mind in the right place to accept gratitude.

These items don’t have to be things that were done to you, or done by you. They can be things completely out of your control, like being grateful that the sun came out today.

If you’re lost for inspiration, scan back through this ongoing list you’re making! That alone will put a smile on your face.

Start grateful conversations.

Use the dinner table as a place for grateful conversations with your family. Talk about the things that happened today that you’re grateful for.

Here are some thankful conversation starters to use that will help you get your family on the right track.

Download our Thankful Conversation Starters

Before you fall asleep at night, reflect on all the things you were grateful for during your day.

If it’s hard to come up with things you’re grateful for at the end of the day, sometimes it’s easier to be grateful for what didn’t happen.

“My child didn’t throw a tantrum at the grocery store.”

“I didn’t lose my cool when I had to tell my child for the 10th time to pick up the toys.”

“I’m grateful it didn’t rain during my son’s birthday party.”

Pay it Forward

Give a compliment to someone.

Put $2 towards the next person’s coffee.

Sometimes it might just be a simple act of kindness you can do towards your child.

Giving your time, attention, and focus to others is the ultimate expression of being grateful, so go share it!