"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion to clarity ... It makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow."
Melody Beattie
Practice
Gratitude helps reduce stress hormones. As with all aspects of wellness, we need to practice gratitude and find ways to tie it into our daily lives. It becomes more of a way of life and not just something we do or think about occasionally. Gratitude becomes a way of being and helps define who we are as human beings.
Suggested Activities
Daily Gratitude Journal: List 3 things you are grateful for every day.
Write a Thank-You card or note to someone. It doesn't have to be thanking them for anything specific, rather just expressing your gratitude for having them in your life.
Create a Mantra: Mantras are short statements or a couple words that are easy to remember and say repeatedly in our minds all throughout the day, or as we feel stress. They are healthy reminders of our strength and the direction we want to put our thoughts and energy.