3 Ways to Practice Gratitude

In today's blog I take a realistic approach to practicing gratitude. It might sound super simple, but I promise, no matter how small or insignificant these things seem, they have worked for me. I hope something stands out and you decide to give it a try!

#1: Thank God for The Good Things

Start your day with thankfulness. The key words here are start and thankfulness. Why do I focus on those two words? Because the way you start your day is important. When you start the day with thankfulness, you'll be reminded of those things throughout the day. When you're reminded of these things throughout the day, you'll start a process of changing your heart into a grateful heart. I am intentional about thanking God for at least 5 things at the end of my bible study each morning through prayer. You may choose to thank Him at other times during the day. No matter the time or situation, the simple act of thanking God is incredibly important.

Someone once told me "If you woke up this morning with only the things you thanked God for yesterday, what would you have?" This completely changed my mindset towards prayer and thankfulness. Everything I have, God has given me. Nothing I have is mine. Every single thing; my home, my cat, my own life. Everything I have is God's and he has chosen me to have responsibility over the things I currently have. (Genesis 2:15) That could change tomorrow. God could very easily take something away from me by the time I wake up tomorrow morning. I have no control over that. I thank God daily for the things he has blessed me with today, because they could be gone tomorrow.

So what does this mean for you? It's about our heart posture. God already knows that everything is his. He's fully aware that He is powerful enough to take something from you. He's also powerful enough to give you more. Besides, He wants to. (Mark 11:24) But he wants a relationship with us. He wants us to ask Him for our desires, but we have to be okay with God's will and our will not being the same. We're not God and we won't always get what we want. My point is, the God of the universe want to have a relationship with you. That should blow your mind. I'm thankful for a God who wants to have a relationship with me and you and everyone. So what are you thankful for that the Lord has given you and blessed you with in this season?

#2: Journal it Out

I used to sleep on the idea of journaling. After doing it a few times, I've realized writing down what's in my brain is like puking it out on paper. It's the same concept as someone who won't shut up and calling it word-vomiting. Word-vomit what's in your head onto paper. In this instance, instead of word-vomiting what you're worried about (which I highly encourage), I challenge you to journal what you're thankful for. Write down one thing you're thankful for and then follow it up with why. Start small and work your way bigger.

For example: I'm thankful for candles. Why? Because they bring me peace, they smell good and I enjoy watching the flames dance. Do the same for bigger things. The more you understand why you like certain things, the more your appreciation and gratefulness will grow.

#3: Go Down Memory Lane

Reflect on how far you've come. How did you get to where you are now? What brought you here? Doing this not only reminds you of how far you've come, but it reminds you of where you started. Chances are, there's something you don't like about your past. I've got plenty of things I don't like about myself and past situations that were not in my control. Reflecting on what these things are has allowed me to grow and move past not liking (quite frankly hating) certain things about myself, to acceptance and forgiveness. I have overcome and forgiven myself for things I didn't think I ever would overcome not even 5 years ago. I wouldn't be where I am today without God's strength during my weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10) I am grateful for God carrying me through a very difficult season. Boom: I already came up with something to be thankful for.

Try identifying a few things from your past and compare who you are now to who you were then. What has changed? I bet there's a pretty high chance that you've improved/grown at least a little bit. Growth--no matter how small--is always something to be thankful for and honestly, you should be proud of yourself for it too.

Now it's Your Turn!

Let me know what your favorite way to practice gratitude was and let me know which way you want to try or which way you're practicing gratitude by tagging me @_forgoodnesssake._ on instagram! I'm so excited to watch God work in your life and I'm cheering you on and praying for God to move and reveal more things to you to be thankful for. Have a wonderful blessed morning, afternoon or evening! You are loved :)

Much love,

Rachel Bethanie