An easy way to get started on a gratitude practice is to make a habit of counting your blessings both morning and night. You don’t even have to write them down in a gratitude journal if that seems too overwhelming. Simply taking a few minutes when you wake up and before you go to bed is enough to begin cementing this new practice into your routine. Before long, you’ll be quickly noticing that blessings abound. Here are some tips to help you start.
Start Small
Easing into any habit is usually the best approach. By making it easier on yourself, you’ll be more inclined to continue moving forward. So, try not to put too much pressure on yourself to come up with grand examples of gratitude when you’re just starting. Just appreciating the bed where you’re starting and ending the day can be a legitimate blessing. Sometimes merely recognizing a tiny blessing can have a significant impact.
Add It On
A helpful method for remembering your new gratitude habit is to add it to your existing routine. Whatever you usually do in the morning and night, be sure to include a few minutes to think of what makes you feel fortunate. For example, if you have tea every morning, this would be a good connection to make. Sitting down to tea will soon become a reminder to contemplate your three blessings.
Create Visual Reminders
If you find yourself forgetting to do it or skipping out on your new task, add some visual cues to your environment. Post-it notes are great for this. Stick one on your nightstand. Add another to your bathroom mirror. Technology comes in handy for reminders, as well. Set the alarm on your phone so that you don’t leave the house or fall asleep without taking the time to consider what makes you feel thankful. The important thing is finding what works for you.
Take Notes
A good habit can be to jot down things during the day as they happen. It only takes a few seconds to make a note of what you feel grateful for in that moment. You can reflect on it later during your quiet bedtime routine.
Hopefully, you now see how getting into the habit of recognizing the good things in life isn’t all that difficult. A few small changes to your routine, and you’ll find it’s quite easy to implement this practice.
RECIPE
ROASTED VEGETABLES
Makes 2 servings
Ingredients:
2 beets, peeled and chopped
1 fennel bulb, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
Sea salt and black pepper to taste
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Add the beets, fennel, carrots, and onion to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with coconut oil. Mix until well coated. Bake in a shallow pan for about 30 minutes until the vegetables are soft and brown around the edges. When the vegetables are done, remove from the oven and season with salt and pepper. Allow to cool and serve with a small salad and your favorite salad dressing from the above recipes.
To Your Health,
Patti
