CULTIVATE JOY WITH GRATITUDE: 9 WAYS TO START

Here's why daily gratitude can keep us grounded, no matter what life may throw our way.

As humans, there’s an innate need to prepare for the worst.  Here’s why daily gratitude can keep us grounded, no matter what life may throw our way.


BY: KALEIGH MCMORDIE, MCN, RDN

We tend to forebode our joy with thoughts of “what if” as a way of preparing ourselves for the worst and protect us from pain. In Brené Brown’s Daring Greatly, she discusses our natural tendencies to feel afraid that joy will be taken away from us.

The antidote to that fear is gratitude.

Practicing gratitude can be harder than it sounds. We can’t simply say, “I’m going to be more grateful.” It has to be more than a just change in attitude, but an intentional shift in daily actions to adopt more tangible practices of gratitude. When we focus on the good, we are more open to receiving joy instead of immediately foreboding it with negative thoughts.

And when we get in the practice of daily gratitude, we are more resilient when negative things happen, which they inevitably will. Here are 9 ways to start.

1. ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR WORTH.

One of the reasons we tend to lean away from joy is the struggle with our worthiness. Do we deserve joy? The answer is yes. You are a human being and you are as worthy of feeling joy as any other being. Make it a daily practice to remind yourself that you are enough. You can write it in on your bathroom mirror, or make it a reminder on your phone. But tell yourself daily that you are enough, and you are absolutely worthy of joy.

2. STOP THE COMPARISON GAME.

We can be happy for other people’s successes without belittling our own. Especially in a time when everyone’s perfectly edited lives are being plastered on social media, it’s important to realize we only see the highlight reel. They are usually the best in other people’s daily lives, so it’s not fair to compare your everyday life to that. Don’t compare your point A to somebody else’s point D. Instead, focus on your own successes rather than striving to be somebody else. What is one thing you have accomplished, big or small, that you are proud of? If you need to, go through your social media feeds and unfollow anyone who makes you constantly compare yourself to others.

3. START A GRATITUDE JOURNAL.

Writing down what you are grateful for can help remind you of all the blessings in your life that you may take for granted. Get a notebook or write it in your phone, and start to record what you are grateful for daily. You can start small with only one thing if that’s all you can think of. Eventually, try to write 3 things you are grateful for every day. It helps to do it at the same time every day so that it becomes routine.

4. MEDITATE.

Taking time to be in the moment instead of worrying about the future or past can help you become more mindful and be grateful for the little things. Use a guided meditation app, practice yoga, or just take 5 minutes out of every day to sit quietly and just breathe.

5. WRITE A THANK YOU NOTE.

When was the last time you wrote somebody a thank you note? Telling people that we appreciate them doesn’t only make the person receiving the note feel good, it helps us to remember the joy that person brought us.

6. FIND A GRATITUDE PARTNER.

If you find yourself letting your gratitude practice slip away, enlist the help of somebody else. Your partner can help you remember to practice gratitude by asking you at the end of every day what you are grateful for. It doesn’t even have to be formal, but discussing what you are thankful for with somebody else helps to strengthen your attitude.

7. TELL SOMEBODY HOW MUCH THEY MEAN TO YOU.

When was the last time you told your partner or your mom how much you appreciate them? If your answer is, “well, they know”, then you may want to pick up the phone and tell them. This practice not only makes you feel more grateful, but it helps strengthen your relationships.

8. PUT A POSITIVE SPIN ON YOUR NEGATIVE THOUGHTS.

This one can help if you find yourself complaining a lot. When you find yourself thinking negatively often, think of a positive about the same situation. Instead of “Ugh, I hate my job,” try to reframe it into, “I’m grateful that I have a job so I can pay my bills.” This one also works well for body acceptance. Instead of looking in the mirror and criticizing the size your thighs, thank your muscular legs for your ability to walk, run, and jump.

9. FEEL YOUR JOY FULLY.

Finally, when you have a joyous moment, relish in it for all it’s worth. Big or small, they are wins to celebrate, so let yourself smile, relax and take it all in. Recognize your joy for what it is and allow yourself to lean into it, instead of immediately thinking of what could go wrong. It may be uncomfortable at first, but it will make you stronger and more grateful if and when something bad happens.

You can’t prepare for tragedy, but you can be grateful for joyful times.

HEADER IMAGE: PRISCILLA DU PREEZ

Kaleigh McMordie, MCN, RDN is a Texas-based Registered Dietitian and food enthusiast who shares delicious recipes for those who seek a healthy, vibrant life. By focusing on nourishment without giving up the joy of good food, Kaleigh helps others attain a balanced, wholesome approach to life that brings people together. Learn more about Kaleigh and visit her at Lively Table.