I’ve been on a spiritual journey for just over a year now, and practicing gratitude has been an essential part of that journey. 

For the longest time, I didn’t know the benefits of practicing gratitude. But what if I told you that practicing gratitude has changed my life? I typically write 3 things that I’m grateful for in my journal daily, or I’ll get on my knees and list all the things I’m thankful for in my prayer. Developing a gratitude practice has changed my life.

I’m more content

Here’s the thing, as human beings we tend to get caught up in this vicious cycle of always wanting more. We pray for a promotion, and if we get that promotion, then we start praying for a bigger house or a new car. It’s never enough. Now there’s absolutely nothing wrong with growth, that’s part of life. But if you are continually chasing the next big thing, you’ll never find true happiness. Have you thought to yourself, “I’ll be happier once I earn more money, or I’ll be happier when I have my own business?” The truth is once you achieve any of those things, you’ll keep moving the goal post.

That’s where practicing gratitude comes in. If you start practicing gratitude, your focus will eventually shift. The more you focus on all the good things in your life, the more content you’ll feel.  All the fluff that you are continually chasing won’t be at the center of your thoughts. Each time I choose to focus on the things I have, I light up internally. 

I’ve opened up space to receive more

Guys, I’ve mentioned before that I never used to pray. Well, I did pray, but only when things were really bad, and I selfishly felt like I needed divine intervention. But when I started praying just to thank God, amazing things started to happen in my life. I call those my gratitude prayers, where I only list the things I’m thankful for, and I don’t ask for anything. I feel like those prayers have opened up room for me to receive more. So much has happened in the last year, it’s overwhelming.

I’m a better person

When I look back to the person I was two years ago, the lens through which I viewed the world was so negative. I had a good life — a family that loves me, good friends, good health, and a beautiful home. But I was so consumed with everything else that was not quite right in my books. So I complained a lot! Now that I look back, I don’t think I was the most pleasant person to be around, shame my poor husband. Now I try my best to avoid complaining, I avoid negative talk like the plague. I’m not perfect, but I’m happy about the person I am right now.

I invite you to start your own practice of gratitude. Set aside time each day to reflect on the things you’re most grateful for. It will be one of the most fulfilling habits you’ll ever start.

Regards,

B

CREDIT:

Photography by Elsie B Photography