by Tony Yost …

Gratitude is the feeling of thankfulness for what you have been given. Gratitude means having the attitude that you are grateful even through hard times when life around you is stressful and uncertain. We can all use a little more gratitude in our lives to share our appreciation for what we have and those we love.

Not only does being grateful give those around us a sense of worth and love but it also can improve our happiness and mental states as well. Here are some tips for adopting an attitude of gratitude.

Journal of Thankfulness: Write down all the things that you are grateful for. Give thanks for things that you have (supportive family, stable job) as well as things that you don’t have (sick kids, money troubles). If you find yourself stuck try mentally replaying your day and give thanks for everything that went right with it.

Catch Yourself in the Act: During those stressful times when your thinking might turn dark and negative, catch yourself from falling into “woe is me” thinking patterns and make a quick mental list of the things that make you thankful.

Keep Good Friendships: We are often known by the company we keep. If your friends are surly, brooding types, try finding associates that keep a positive mindset. Their attitudes may rub off on you and make it easier for you to see all that you have in life.

Don’t Judge Others: Everyone has pluses and minuses in their lives but comparing what you have (or don’t) to what someone else has is futile. You never really know someone until you have walked in their shoes and their life might be worse (or better) than you think. Concentrate on what you’ve got, not on what someone else has.

Tell Loved Ones What You Think of Them: A fun way to start practicing gratitude with your family is to go around the table and have everyone give one thing that they are grateful for that day. Or you could share something about the person to the left of you that you are grateful for.

Box of Gratitude: Another method of developing gratitude is by making a gratitude box. This can be an empty shoebox or other suitable container. You write down things that you are grateful for on small slips of paper and drop them into the box. On days when you’re feeling a little down, open the box and read some of the slips. This can instantly lift your spirits!

Life is for laughing, loving, and living. It’s not just for whining, worrying, and working!

For more information about laughing, loving, and living your way to the good life, please visit http://www.edforeman.com

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http://EzineArticles.com/?Gratitude—The-Key-to-Happiness&id=2985541

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