The Importance of Expressing Gratitude

I’m sure there has been a time where you’ve expressed gratitude for something, but did you know that expressing gratitude for something everyday is a powerful tool which helps to re-align our focus on more positive things in life?

Having an Attitude of Gratitude.

What does “Attitude of Gratitude” mean? It’s the practice of expressing your thankfulness and appreciation for all aspects of your life, no matter how big or insignificant they may be.

Focus on the good you have, not the lack of it, because whatever gets your attention will increase the energy of gratitude. That's how joy rises.

Suffering from an anxiety disorder is not always easy. Some days are more difficult than others. Even if you’re having a challenging day, there is always something you can express gratitude for.

On my down days, I would lie in bed, feeling so overwhelmed that I was not able to function. I would think to myself, thankfully, I don’t have to go to work or battle the traffic. Without realizing it, I was expressing gratitude.

On my good days, I did and still say, I’m grateful for the calmness and peacefulness I feel, it’s a good day!

Overtime, I noticed my mind was shifting from focusing on my fears and symptoms, to focusing on what I could express gratitude for instead.

Expressing gratitude soon turned into a game for me, I would walk around the house and write down what I was expressing gratitude for that day such as: having a roof over my head, food

on my table, a great family and when I didn’t know what to express gratitude for, I would simply write, “I am grateful for the air that I breathe”.

Even on my down days, I would try and express even more gratitude for things: The fact that I was able to pull through my panic attack and that it was shorter than the last one, I was grateful for the techniques that I found to help me along the way, I was grateful for the added strength I had to surmount this etc.

When you think about it, there are so many wonderful reasons to express gratitude everyday. Gratitude shifts our mindset, it improves our physical, psychological and emotional health, it improves our self-esteem and self-confidence, it makes us happier, it strengthens our emotions, it makes us more optimistic, it increases our energy levels and it helps to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression etc.

Give It a Try!!!

Grab yourself a piece of paper or a notebook, look around, what are you grateful for today? Perhaps someone came by to help you do something, express gratitude about that person. Maybe it was something you had for lunch that you really enjoyed. How about your pet who comforts you when you’re down, a spouse who is there for you not matter what or the little things your children do which help to put a smile on your face. I know you can do it, I know you can, no matter how big or how small you can find something to be grateful for.

Now, change it up a bit, but this time, focus on you, what things about yourself are you grateful for today? Little things like, perhaps you’re having a good day and feeling strong, maybe

you’re happy with the way you look today, maybe you’re feeling better than you have in a long time.

Repeat this exercise for 21 days and experience all the wonderful changes that are taking place in your life, body, mind and spirit.

You will be amazed how much better you feel !