Attitude of Gratitude

“Gratitude is the single most important ingredient to having a successful and fulfilled life.”                                                                                                      – Jack Canfield

As we gathered together last weekend to honor our mothers and grandmothers, we were all feeling grateful to have our families reunited after being forced to celebrate last year with zoom calls and telephone calls. Hardly comparable to the hugs and kisses in person.  But did you also know that feeling grateful brings about biochemical responses in our brains which enhance the experiences of gratitude.  According to Dr. Robert Emmons, Author of “Thanks,” research shows a number of benefits: 

• When we feel grateful about something, our brains produce 23% lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
• Writing a letter of gratitude reduced feelings of hopelessness by 88% in suicidal inpatients and increased levels of optimism in 94% of them.

Simply believing you are grateful for blessings does not bring more happiness. An increase in well-being is brought about by an actual practice of gratitude. Gain an even greater shift in well-being by doing a gratitude exercise and meditation.

Finding Three Good Things

How about “Finding Three Good Things” for you and your family? This practice will help you focus on the good in your life. Take a moment to find three good things. Noticing and being grateful for the small things, as well as the big, helps you can find things to be grateful for each day. Fill out each day until you’ve completed one week.  You may begin on any day.

1. ___________________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________________

Continue finding three things that you’re grateful for each day and continue this practice for at least two weeks.  You’ll see how your focus will soon begin to shift.

Gratitude Meditation

This is one of my favorite meditations for opening your heart.  Get your FREE gift of my gratitude meditation.  Remember to carry this gratitude for yourself and to all you meet throughout your day.

With Love and Gratitude,

Vicki

P.S. Remember Your Free gift below and spread some gratitude!

Vicki Atlas Israel is an Amazon Bestselling Author of Inner Power NOW and is a Meditation and Mindset Coach, Certified in Guided Imagery. Vicki is passionate about helping heart-centered professionals, children and families feel less stressed and more love and peace.