How to make gratitude work for you (it's simpler than you think)

Let’s talk about GRATITUDE. I know it’s a buzz word and all, but hear me out, because not all gratitude practices are the same.

Personally, I’ve had some form of a gratitude practice since 2012.

At times, I’ve felt its powerful effects on my life. It brought me peace, harmony, and an inner sense of calm and trust.

At other times, I felt its effects minimally –if at all.

I’ve wondered many times about why one simple practice can be powerful and rewarding some of the time and fall so short at other times.

Here is what I have found:
The difference between whether gratitude works or not is ALL about whether I take the time -just a minute or two- to FEEL the gratitude or if I’m merely rattling down a list.

When I FEEL gratitude, my body gets showered with love, positivity, and light. It’s a visceral, embodied experience. It lasts.

When I just write down a quick list because I think I should, nothing much happens. The gratitude and all the positive, beautiful things I have in my life, don’t actually sink in. It stops at my neck. My body didn’t receive the message that my life is wonderful even in the eye of challenge, pain, and hardship.

I’d love for you try this.

Today, take a moment to FEEL your gratitude.

Simply pick one or two things you are grateful for and then let your gratitude for those things/ people/ events sink into your body center.

Why specifically are you grateful for this?

In what specific ways is your life better because of this particular thing/ person/ event?

How do you FEEL knowing that this piece is part of your life?

For those of you who have a hard time with starting or maintaining a gratitude practice, I made a 7-day guided gratitude journal for you, which you can get here.

Most importantly, remember that the most powerful practices aren’t complicated.

They are simple.

The key is consistency and how deep you are willing to go.

Love,

Caroline