How to Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude

Being grateful for what we have in life is a cornerstone of health and wellbeing. Acknowledging and appreciating the little things that we often take for granted, such as waking up each morning and having access to food and clean water, is just as beneficial to our wellbeing as being thankful for the big things like getting that promotion at work, or meeting the love of your life.

I recently attended a Thanksgiving dinner thrown by an American friend and as per tradition, we went around the table and each voiced what we were grateful for. It was interesting to hear what other people considered blessings in their lives, and a beautiful reminder of how good it can feel to share and acknowledge your blessings.

Like attracts like
When you acknowledge all the good in your life, your energy and focus moves to positivity, which in turn attracts positive energy to you, in the form of good people, opportunites and events in your life. And you start to notice the beauty and positivity around you more, literally and metaphorically stopping to smell the roses.



The bad stuff can be good
Acknowledge the 'bad' things that happen each day and find a way to be grateful for them. For example, if you didn't get the job you went for, then trust that it wasn't in your best interest and be thankful that there is something better around the corner - faith goes hand in hand with gratitude.

Gratitude and creation
Having faith and being grateful for things that haven't happened yet become an affirmation or visualisation; for example 'thank you for my new car', or 'thank you for guiding me to the right people, places and events that will help land me the job of my dreams' become tools of creation and manifestation. Don't worry about how these things will manifest, just trust that they will and be grateful.



Attitude of gratitude routine
Find a way to work gratitude into your routine - either before you fall asleep each night, or before you get out of bed each morning, run through all the things that you are grateful for. The more you practice, the more you'll find that you are actually grateful for, and you can go to sleep or start your day with a smile on your face, and contentment in your heart. Find a space in your day that works for you - it may be while you are meditating, cooking or exercising, or perhaps writing it down in a grateful diary.



Cultivating an attitude of gratitude can at best change your life for the better in a big way, and at worst, make you feel good about yourself and your life for a time.

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