5 Tips to have a Grateful Heart

Being grateful or having gratitude means thankfulness, feeling or showing an appreciation of kindness, or noticing simple pleasures. I catch myself telling my kids to have “a grateful heart”. I say this in hopes they enjoy even the simplest things in life -like a sunrise, the sound of the ocean, a bird found in the yard, or even seeing a falling star by chance.

In my daily life I choose to wake up and make each day a great day. I’m not Mrs. Positive by any means, but I do try my best to encourage all to have a grateful heart, including my kiddos. By showing gratitude, children and adults are typically happier and kinder to others. So I figure why not, have a grateful heart in all we do. Here’s a few reminders on how to stay positive and be grateful. I hope these encourage you and your family to have “grateful hearts”.

1) Appreciate The Simple Things Each Day. Sometimes this can be hard, especially after a challenging day at work or with the kids by the end of the day. One thing that helps when I wake is, just to keep a smile on my face and think how lucky I am just to be alive and awake each morning. (Also the smell of brewing coffee never hurts)

2) Writing a Note, Text, or Email to a Loved One. One thing in my life I do struggle staying positive about is, that my family doesn’t live nearby. Not that they are across the country or anything, but they are not in the nearby city. What helps me, writing an email to my mom, or even sending a nice text to her. This could also come in the form of writing a note and dropping in your child’s lunch box, or even leaving a sticky-note out for your husband. Sometimes just doing something unexpected for someone else can open up a grateful heart.

3) Writing in a Journal. After a long day sometimes all I want to do is sleep, but first I lay back, get out my journal, and start writing. It could be as simple as just a note to myself, or a reminder of what I have the next day. Or maybe a milestone in my child’s life, a school event, or an upcoming family trip I’m excited about. Whatever it is, writing your positive thoughts down on paper, never hurt to show gratitude.

4) Promise not complain. Taking mental note when your upset, and purposely not complaining, gossiping, being angry, and criticizing, can do wonders to keep a grateful heart. You can replace negativity with gratitude.

5) Get Involved. If I sit home and think about all the dishes piling up, or the bills that need to be paid I could honestly go crazy. Instead of worrying at that moment about things I need to do, I think of a cause I’d like to get involved in. For me, this is volunteering at my child’s school. This could also be, donating to a charity, or volunteering your time somewhere you find interesting. This can help open your thoughts to happier ones and realizing just how grateful you are.

6) Yes, I know I said five, but I couldn’t resist one more tip! Another great way to open a grateful heart is to start a new book. This can be hard to squeeze into a busy day sometimes, but even 10 pages before you fall asleep at night. This helps open the soul, mind, and heart to new thoughts instead of being negative = being grateful!

Let me know if you find any of these helpful in your daily life. Or if you try something else that helps you. I’d love to hear your comments, or emails - always much appreciated.