Develop an Attitude of Gratitude

“Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for,”
– Zig Ziglar.

​Gratitude is a state of mind. It is the daily decision to appreciate all that life has to offer and to live out of a place of thanksgiving.

When we choose gratitude, we in turn choose positivity, hope, thankfulness, joy and so much more.
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Did you know that there are many benefits to adopting an attitude of gratitude? As you begin to take on a mindset of thanksgiving, you may begin to curb negative thoughts, eliminate anxiety and even diminish depression.

Prioritize gratitude and you may begin to live a healthier, happier and more joy-filled life.
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I will share a few simple ways to help you nurture a habit of gratitude and thanksgiving every day.

· Be mindful. There is always something to be grateful for. Look for the silver lining in every situation, no matter how small and start to develop a deeper sense of gratitude for the simple things in life. I like to take a walk at some point in the day and really dwell on what I am grateful for that day.

· Create a gratitude journal. Begin to daily write down those things that you are most grateful for. It may start out simple but over time, you may begin to experience the power of positive thought and nurture a real sense of gratitude for the things that matter most.  I write down a list of things in my daily planner as I think of them.
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· Express thanks to others. Make a point of thanking others for their role or contribution in your life. Write a note to that inspirational teacher or role model who encouraged you to become the person you are today. Verbalize your thanks to your parents or grandparents for raising you. The more we learn to express gratitude, the more we give others the freedom to do the same. I love encouraging others and finding ways to share how I appreciate them.

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more.
It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity.
​It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend,”
― Melody Beattie.

Featured Gallery:
The Sigler Family
Photography: Elisabeth Ashliegh / Elisabeth Ashliegh Photography