Sometimes, less is more. But not when it comes to gratitude. I believe that with gratitude, more is more. That’s why, in episode 2 of the Create Happy podcast, my co-host Shawn and I decided to share not just 3 or 10, but 100 things we are each grateful for. If that doesn’t qualify as being “Grateful AF,” I don’t know what does! You can listen to the episode below, and don’t worry, we stick to our half-hour time limit.
Why gratitude? So why did we choose to talk about just how “grateful AF” we are? Sure, it might have something to do with the fact that we released this episode in November. But the main reason is because there is a strong connection between gratitude, creativity, and happiness that often goes unexplored.
Products of gratitude: Gratitude has a few products that we don’t often think about. In the episode, we discuss these in detail, but I’ll touch on them briefly here.
1. Positivity: Gratitude shines a light on all the good things in your life, uplifting and inspiring you. Practicing gratitude helps you focus on the positive, and you may even discover positive things you’ve never noticed before.
2. Awareness: Gratitude makes you more aware of everything around you. When you intentionally think about the things you’re grateful for, you start noticing even the most obscure things that you wouldn’t have noticed otherwise. The more you seek out things to be grateful for, the more you’ll find.
3. Power: The people and things around you exist to support you and make your life better. Recognizing this gives you a sense of power and the confidence that you have what it takes to succeed.
4. Creativity: Positivity, awareness, and power are the keys to unlocking your creativity. When you have a positive mindset, are aware of your surroundings, and understand your power, you’re more likely to tap into your creative potential. This, in turn, leads to increased happiness.
5. Happiness: Gratitude is the ultimate source of happiness. When you continuously experience and express gratitude, it’s hard to feel sad or dissatisfied. Gratitude helps you see and appreciate what’s right in your world, setting the stage for a happier mindset.
Tips for starting a gratitude practice: Now that you understand the value of gratitude, how can you incorporate it into your daily life? Here are some tips to help you make gratitude a habit:
1. Make a commitment to gratitude. Starting a new habit requires commitment. Many people talk themselves out of practicing gratitude, questioning whether it will work or if their list is good enough. But remember, it’s worth it. Push past your doubts and commit to giving gratitude a chance.
2. Practice gratitude first thing in the morning. Instead of checking social media or the news, which often breeds comparison and unhappiness, start your day with gratitude. This will set a positive tone for the rest of your day and help you recognize the good things in your life.
3. Start small or go big. You can begin by writing down three things you’re grateful for each morning. This is a great way to start your gratitude practice. Alternatively, you can challenge yourself by making a longer list, like 100 things, to fully immerse yourself in gratitude.
4. Notice things throughout the day. Children are naturally grateful because they see everything around them as reasons to be grateful. As adults, we often rush through life without taking a moment to appreciate our surroundings. Practice being present, and take note of the sights, sounds, and smells around you. The more you do this, the more gratitude you’ll feel.
By cultivating gratitude in your life, you’ll become more grateful, creative, and happy. And that’s the ultimate goal.
