Living in Gratitude: Beyond the Discovery

SHOW NOTES:

On this show…we are going beyond the discovery and exploring what an ongoing life of gratitude, looks like. We all know the buzz about finding gratitude—it’s like the self-help world’s holy grail. But let’s be real, what’s the point of finding something amazing if you don’t know how to hold onto it? It’s like finding the perfect snack in the pantry and then eating it all in one go—gone too soon! Gratitude shouldn’t be a one-hit wonder; it’s meant to be the background music of your life, playing on repeat.

In this episode, we’re diving into what happens after you find gratitude. How can you turn those fleeting “thank goodness” moments into a sustainable practice? What does it do for your day-to-day mood and the bigger picture of your life? And, most importantly, how can you live in gratitude rather than treating it like a magic wand you wave when things get rough? 

Let’s explore how to make gratitude less of a to-do list item and more of a way of being—because a grateful heart isn’t just lighter, it’s stronger. Buckle up, this journey will leave you feeling uplifted and ready to embrace life’s magic, one thankful moment at a time!

So if I asked you, what is your gratitude practice, what would you say? Journaling, prayer, when someone reminds me, or only around the table one day of the year? Well, I might be all of the above. I do usually start a prayer with what I’m thankful for and I have been known to journal a gratitude list a time or two. I even have a group chat with some diligent members who prompt me to steer my morning in a thoughtful and thankful way. But how can we go from using gratitude as a quick fix to truly integrating it into their lives?

Sheldon Reid shares The Benefits of Gratitude and How to Practice It found in the Help Guide

John Bradley makes the connection between the transformative duo: Gratitude and Empathy: Cultivating Understanding and Compassion for Others. Found on Medium.

On Fearless Soul’s YouTube channel, I found Say "Thank You" - Motivation On The Importance Of Gratitude - what a nice and uplifting way to end.

Just like any good habit, gratitude requires intentionality and practice to turn it from a fleeting feeling into a lasting lifestyle. Here’s how you can build a gratitude practice that not only sticks but transforms the way you see the world:

1. Anchor Gratitude to Daily Habits

One of the easiest ways to make gratitude sustainable is to attach it to something you already do. For example:

• Morning Routine: Start each day by naming three things you’re grateful for before getting out of bed or while sipping your coffee.
• Mealtime: Reflect on what you’re grateful for as part of saying grace or a moment of mindfulness before eating.
• Evening Wind-Down: End the day with a gratitude journal entry or a quick reflection on the best part of your day.

2. Practice Gratitude in Action

Gratitude is most powerful when it’s expressed, not just felt. Find ways to act on your gratitude:

• Write thank-you notes to people who’ve made a difference in your life, whether recently or years ago.
• Compliment someone genuinely and specifically—it could brighten their day and remind you of what you appreciate about others.
• Volunteer your time or donate to causes you’re passionate about as a way of giving back in gratitude.

3. Incorporate Gratitude Into Challenges

Gratitude isn’t just for sunny days. It becomes truly transformative when applied during tough times. When faced with challenges:

• Look for the lesson or growth opportunity in the situation.
• Reflect on past difficulties and what they taught you.
• Focus on the support or resources you have to navigate the challenge.

4. Surround Yourself with Gratitude Cues

Sometimes we need a little nudge to keep our gratitude practice on track. Set up reminders and cues in your environment:

• Place sticky notes with positive affirmations or gratitude prompts on your mirror, desk, or fridge.
• Use a gratitude app or set a daily reminder on your phone to pause and reflect.
• Display photos, keepsakes, or mementos that remind you of meaningful people, moments, or accomplishments.

5. Create a Gratitude Accountability Partner

Everything’s more fun (and sustainable) with a buddy! Share your gratitude goals with a friend or family member and check in with each other regularly. This could be as simple as exchanging texts about what you’re grateful for or meeting up to talk about the positive things happening in your lives.

CHALLENGE: Gratitude isn’t just something you find—it’s something you live, and the real magic happens when you let it ripple through your thoughts, choices, and connections. Challenge yourself to go beyond fleeting moments of thankfulness and create a practice that transforms your perspective, strengthens your relationships, and fuels your joy every single day!

 

I Know YOU Can Do It!