Glowing With Gratitude

Today is American Thanksgiving. The point of this week’s tip is to pause and be more intentional about giving thanks or Thanks giving.
Gratitude = the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
Research has proven that those who are thankful receive many benefits and you’ll stand out in a crowd! The Benefits of Gratitude include better health, more happiness, career advancement, improved appearance, more fulfilling relationships and a greater glow!
How can you start glowing? Here are just a few suggestions:

1. Make a List – be specific about what you are thankful for. It doesn’t have to be extraordinary (I just won the lottery.) Simple, specific thanks is perfect. This focuses your attention and as you make your list, you will elevate your mental mood.
2. Say Thank You – extravagantly appreciate everyone and everything around you. Be intentional about thanking people for small things, big things and in between things. The more you practice thanking others, the more your gratitude glow will grow.
3. Write a Letter – this is similar to a list but it’s written to a person. We recommend a weekly thank you letter to someone in your life. Whether it is a family member, a friend, a colleague or Smiling Suzie at the cleaners, writing a letter changes your focus. You don’t have to send / give the letter. The act of writing alone will get results. Why not take the extra step and share your appreciation and gratitude.
4. Change Your Language – do you use words like “regret, lack, need, loss or scarcity?” You are what you say.  Focus on using words like, “gift, blessing, silver lining and abundance.”

This is so important that the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley launched a $5.6 million, three-year project, Expanding the Science and Practice of Gratitude.

Put some gratitude practices in place. According to the research you will start seeing the benefits of your gratitude practice within three weeks. Start today and get GLOWING with gratitude!