Tag Archives: Gratitude

The Law of Attraction: How Gratitude Brings More Good Into Your Life

Gratitude, Mental health, , , , , ,

Image: Freepik

Why wait until Thanksgiving to express your gratitude? You have the luxury of living your joyous life every single day of the year. So make it a point to recognize your blessings, show gratitude for all you, which will attract further blessings into your life. 

Here are five ways that showing gratitude attracts more abundance into your life:

  1. You’ll be thankful for the little things. When you’re in a positive mindset, you’ll learn to appreciate the little things. The sweetest blessings come in the smallest forms. Once you learn to love, recognize, and be thankful for the little things in life, your quality of life will increase because you’ll be aware of how fortunate you really are. 
  • Your daughter giving you a drawing that says, “Number one mom!” or your husband picking up your favorite flavor of ice cream, are things that you should be thankful for. Your daughter thinks you’re a rock star and you have a considerate spouse. How awesome!
  1. You’ll develop impeccable radar. If you often reflect on the fortunate events in your life, You’ll be able to spot a good opportunity a mile away. Actively seeking new opportunities to increase your personal quality of life, and those closest to you.
    1. Giving to the less fortunate. When you’re thankful for the bed you sleep in at night, the roof shielding your family from the cold, the family on your couch and the food on your plates, you’re well aware of how fortunate you are. As a result, you’re more likely to jump at the opportunity to help someone in a worse position. 
    • The smallest efforts from you could make a world of a difference in the life of another. Helping your neighbor craft his resume, will help him provide for his family. Donating your used clothing will help keep the homeless warm. And taking part in a walk for breast cancer may give someone else the opportunity to live another day.
    • When you help others, you help yourself in many ways.
    1. You’ll reach higher. Your grateful ways are a blessing. You appreciate life more intensely when you’re grateful. You also see each day as another chance to bring more joy to your reality, lifestyle, and future. It’s perfectly normal to be grateful for what you have, yet often desire to reach for more. Constantly improving your life is a good thing for you and your family.
      1. Taking others into consideration. When you’re satisfied with your life and feel genuinely happy, you tend to treat others very kindly. You’ll be more likely to hold the door open at the mall for a stranger, or pick up a fallen cane for an elderly man. Your own happiness is magnified when you help bring joy to others. 

      Your life begins to take a turn for the better when you keep in mind how fortunate you really are. The smallest details can boost your spirits. The misfortune of others will prompt you to help them seek support, and life just begins to look a little brighter. 

      Starting today, take your positive mindset to new heights and make every day a personal day of thanksgiving

      Here is a free Gratitude-Journal-Worksheet to get you started!

      To Your Success,

      Juan

       

      Seven Powerful Ways To Practice Gratitude Every Day

      Gratitude, Mental health, Self Acceptance, Support/Encouragement, , , , ,

      Introduction
      When you’re in a bad mood, it’s easy to get stuck there. It takes effort to pull yourself out of that funk. And while you’re at it, why not make it easier on yourself by practicing gratitude? Gratitude is scientifically proven to lift your mood and make you happier. And if you practice gratitude regularly, then it becomes a habit. So here are some quick and easy ways to practice:

      Keep a Gratitude Journal
      The first step in practicing gratitude is to remember what you’re thankful for. To do this, keep a journal. This will help you remember what’s going well in your life and provide motivation to continue focusing on the positive aspects of each day. A gratitude journal can be used anywhere: at home, at work or school, while traveling—the possibilities are endless!

      Keeping track of the good things in life is important because it allows us time to reflect on all we have accomplished and experienced during our lives thus far (and those who have influenced us along the way). 

      Use a Gratitude Scrapbook
      A gratitude scrapbook is a great way to practice gratitude. You can make your own or you can buy one. A gratitude scrapbook is like a regular art journal, but the focus of this book is on things in your life that are wonderful and meaningful.

      You should write in your gratitude scrapbook every day and then read what you wrote when you are feeling down or have had a bad day. The act of writing down things that make you happy will help you feel better about what is happening in your life right now because it brings attention to all the things that are going well for you.

      Make Gratitude Cards
      You can make your own gratitude cards with a computer and card stock, or you can use an old-fashioned method by using scissors and a piece of paper. The idea is to create something that will remind you of what you are grateful for when you look at it. You could even send these cards to friends and family as a way to express your feelings of thankfulness toward them! Or if you prefer, keep them for yourself!

      Be Grateful for Your Discomforts
      A lot of people think of a discomfort as something to avoid and run away from at all costs. When you’re uncomfortable, it’s natural to want the feeling to go away quickly so you can return to the comfort zone. But if we want to practice gratitude and be happier in life, it’s important that we learn how to appreciate our discomforts as well as our comforts in life—because without them, there wouldn’t be balance!

      Create a Gratitude Corner In Your Home
      This can be as simple as putting a plant or little figurine in one corner of the room, or you can make it more elaborate. For example, you might put up a picture of someone who inspires you and that reminds you to be grateful for all they have done for humanity (like Mother Teresa). You could also create an entire wall dedicated to being grateful by adding pictures of things that inspire gratitude in you (like friends or family), and adding inspirational quotes around the room. 

      Create a Gratitude List Every Day
      One of the simplest, most effective ways to practice gratitude is to create a Gratitude List every day.

      • Write down three things you’re grateful for.
      • Don’t write down the same thing every day! Do this for at least 21 days in a row, and see how your perspective changes as a result.
      • Don’t write down the same thing every week! 
      • If you repeat any particular entry more than once within two weeks’ time, put an asterisk next to that item—but don’t stop writing it down! The point here is not about quantity but about quality.

      A small change in your focus can make a big difference.
      It’s time to use the law of attraction to your full advantage. Let’s be real: it can feel like a lot of work to change your thoughts, especially if  you’re surrounded by negative people and their constant barrage of stressors.  In addition to practicing gratitude, here are some other ways that you can make those positive vibes happen:

      • Be grateful for who you are. Your personality is unique, so don’t ever compare yourself with others. The things that make up “you” aren’t perfect—but neither is anyone else’s! 
      • Exercise gratitude every day through meditation or journaling (it’ll take less than 5 minutes). We tend not think about our blessings until they’re gone—or until we’ve lost something valuable in life like our health or home—but there are always going be things we should be thankful 

      Conclusion
      In these ways, you can practice gratitude and make your life happier. Which one will you practice today? Are you already incorporating these practices in your life?

      To Your Success,
      Juan

      The Power Of Gratitude: Why You Should Be Expressing It More Often

      Gratitude, Life Lessons, Mental health, , , , , , , ,

      November! Yikes. 

      Let’s take a break from mental health in this month, and focus, on you guessed it, gratitude:). November is Thanksgiving month in the US. If you believe we should be practicing gratitude year round, you are in the right place.

      We all know that feeling of gratitude – when someone does something nice for us and we just can’t help but say “thank you.” But did you know that gratitude can actually have a powerful impact on your life? Studies have shown that expressing gratitude can lead to greater happiness, better health, and even improved relationships.

      In our fast-paced, constantly-connected lives, it’s easy to forget the power of gratitude. We get wrapped up in our day-to-day worries and stresses and forget to take a step back and appreciate the good in our lives. But the truth is that gratitude is one of the most powerful emotions we can feel. Gratitude has been linked to improved mental and physical health, increased happiness and satisfaction, and even better sleep.

      Gratitude has been shown to have numerous benefits for both mental and physical health. Research has shown that gratitude can improve sleep quality, reduce stress and anxiety, and boost immunity. Additionally, gratitude can increase overall happiness and life satisfaction. When we express gratitude, we open the door to more positive experiences and emotions. We also start to attract more good things into our lives. Gratitude is like a magnet for happiness, and the more we express it, the more we will receive.

      Given all of these benefits, it’s clear that gratitude is a powerful emotion. Yet, many of us don’t express gratitude as often as we should. Why is that?

      There are a few reasons. For one, we often take the good things in our lives for granted. We may not even realize how lucky we are to have certain things. Additionally, we may not know how to express gratitude. We may not want to appear needy or unappreciative In our fast-paced, constantly-connected lives, it’s easy to forget the power of gratitude. We get wrapped up in our day-to-day worries and stresses and forget to take a step back and appreciate the good in our lives. 

      So why not make a commitment to expressing gratitude more often? If you’re not sure where to start, try keeping a gratitude journal or simply taking a few moments each day to reflect on the things you’re grateful for. You may be surprised at how much better you feel when you start expressing gratitude on a regular basis.

      Take a few moments each day to think about the things you are thankful for. You may be surprised at how much better you feel. Taking the time to intentionally express gratitude can make a world of difference. Try it for yourself and see how the power of gratitude can change your life for the better.

      November’s posts will be dedicated to, yes, all things Gratitude:)

      To Your Success,
      Juan

       

      Staying Positive In Tough Times

      Once Upon a Line, , , , , , , , , , , ,

      Most of us can agree positive thinking is important. It tends to make us feel better, be more productive and reduces stress. The problem is, our lives aren’t always rosy. Crises happen – be it on a personal level or something more widespread. That reality is a part of everyone’s life, and it makes keeping your spirits up tough.
      If you are struggling to stay positive and hopeful when going through these or any other tough times, try these tips:

      Don’t Put Your Head in the Sand
      No matter what you are dealing with, ignoring it is rarely the answer. While ignoring problems might feel good in the short-term, it will sap your long-term positivity. Plus, many of the other tips listed here require you to acknowledge your circumstances first.
      This Too Shall Pass
      When you are in the midst of a crisis, it is nearly impossible to keep things in perspective. That said, you need to recognize your circumstances are temporary. Things might seem dire at the moment, but try your best to remember that “this too shall pass.”
      Make a Plan
      One of the single best things you can do to maintain positivity during tough times is to make a plan on how to deal with it. When you focus on the solution rather than the problem, you will naturally feel more positive. You will feel like you are rising to the challenge.
      What are You Grateful For?
      Even during great personal turmoil, there is always something to be grateful for. When things get tough, it is vital to remember there is good in the world, and more importantly, in your life. When you are struggling, take some time to list the things you have going for you!
      Reach Out for Support
      Support in and support out! Reach out to loved ones and offer your support. Reach out if you need assistance too. When things are dire, it is always reaffirming when people pull together and help each other.
      Take a Break
      Sometimes our circumstances are so dire that we are forced to think about our problems constantly. It is OK to take a break. You can take a break from the news, social media, or other people. It might not be easy but taking a break from external stimuli can help keep you positive.
      Journal Your Feelings
      Journaling is a powerful tool in so many ways. By simply giving you a place to express your fears and concerns, a journal helps you maintain positivity outside of its pages. Do you know how good it feels to vent to a friend? Well, consider your journal as your best friend.
      Focus on Things You Can Control
      When your world seems like it is spinning out of control, you may feel helpless. One way to address this and stay more positive is to focus on the things you can control. Do what you can with what you have.
      Embrace Distractions
      Distractions are usually the worst. We are often trying to learn how to avoid or deal with them. They aren’t that bad when you are struggling to stay positive in tough times, though. No matter how silly they seem, you should embrace distractions that bring you joy in tumultuous times.

      ACTIONABLE STEPS

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      Write down your feelings. Think about everything you are dealing with and how it’s affecting you and write that down. Don’t worry about grammar or spelling; just focus on getting your feelings out of your head and onto paper.

      Reach out. Whether you are reaching out to offer support or request it, reaching out will help you feel like part of a community. When we all work together, we can overcome anything.

      Make a plan. Think about what your biggest struggle is right now and devise a plan to tackle it. Set some goals and deadlines. You will feel more positive by just having the plan, and even more positive if you act on it.

      Until the next post,
      Best,
      Juan

      I Was The One

      Gratitude, , , , , , ,

      On my page “Think to Thank”, I find something to be grateful for each day. No matter how small. Or trivial. The going often gets rough. Often, it’s often difficult to see the blessings. Many days reviewing small daily miracles offer consolation. And hope. They serve to remind me I have so much. In this post, I wish to share some experiences which have affected me over the past few months. The times when I was the one.

      To Louise, the owner of Passionate about Flowers on Lower Bristol Road in Bath. I thank you. A few weeks ago, I was invited for a job assessment in Bath. If I was successful, it would mean returning the next day for a face to face interview. Upon arrival at the station, I went against my better judgment and decided to walk the 15 minute journey to the destination. Well, after getting hopelessly lost and asking for and receiving wrong directions more than once, I was about to give up. However, I decided to try one last business.  I walked into Passionate About Flowers  and explained what I was about. Louise immediately got online in an attempt to pinpoint the location. Taking it a step further, she asked if I wanted her to give me a lift there! And she did. This one simple act of kindness derailed all the bad luck I had moments before. Louise left her business, to help a stranger she might never, ever see again. I will never forget her act of kindness. Thanks Louise.

      In another instance, while waiting for my BRP to be finalized, I was hired on a temp basis for a local health and social services organization. I relied heavily on public transportation. One day, I changed handbags, and to my chagrin discovered I somehow forgot my money purse on the bus. I am person who has never forgotten her keys. Run out of gas. Or locked herself out of her car! To make matters worse I did not discover my purse was missing for more than 8 hours. To my utter amazement, when it was in my possession again, everything was as I left it. Down to the 1.50 pence I had received as change that morning. I called the bank and made the necessary cancellations, but no one had tried to use it or withdraw funds. I was stunned. The chances of this happening in the USA are nil. To the unknown person who turned my purse into the driver, I thank you.

      Once last experience. I got the job in Bath. It meant relocating. Bath is a lovely city! I was helped in unimaginable ways. Perhaps the one-act of kindness which has left an indelible impression on my mind, is the moving process itself. Paul, a kind bloke drove 500 miles round trip to do just that. To be ready for the return trip on Saturday, he spent Friday night at a local hotel. All on his own dime. Moving company fees would have cost me approx 250 pounds. I contributed to his petrol cost. He was not done. Yet. Going the extra mile, he took me around to find items for the new place. Cheered me up during challenging times when I could not see perspective. Checked up on me often. Reminded me over and over that even though things were not what I expected, greater things were happening around me. Paul, I wont ever forget this. Thank you.

      Amidst all the ills in the world and the people who perpetrate them, it’s gratifying to know good people still walk the earth. I am acquainted with them. I am grateful for people who make the world a better place for the rest of us. If you are one of those people: NEVER cease to do good. NEVER underestimate the power of your actions upon the lives of others. NEVER think that your contribution does not matter. Because it does. I have been on the receiving end. The one whose life was affected. The one who, because of your kindness, my struggles were easier. Thank you.

      Until the next post,

      Best,

      Juan