Gratitude is a divine emotion that never does harm but always does so much good.
Sadly, many people spend their lives wanting more and more, instead of appreciating what they already have. Most of us rarely experience these vivid moments of realization of how lucky we are for all that we have and all that we are.
Why are we constantly chasing the next big thing?
Why can’t we truly acknowledge and be grateful for what we already have?
We are living in a day and age where we have countless possibilities for a better job, a better house, and a better life. All these possibilities are blinding us, making us forget about the things we have already achieved. And the weird thing is, almost everything we have now was once just a dream. The car you’re driving today was your 16-year-old-self biggest wish. The house you live in now seemed like an impossible goal when you were still struggling to pay your rent for that one-bedroom apartment. Yet, you’re still not satisfied with your own accomplishments.
Do you find this relatable?
Here are 7 surefire ways you can change that and learn how to genuinely appreciate what you have.
1. Make gratitude part of your everyday routine.
Practicing gratitude will pave you the way to happiness and success in life. Moreover, it will help you fall in love with the life you already have. And most importantly, it will make you realize that you don’t need to wait for something magical to happen, or for something to be taken away from you, to appreciate the here and now. You can start practicing gratitude by writing down a few things you are thankful for every day, or just thinking about how lucky you are to be alive the moment you wake up every morning. It takes a little effort, but it might change your life forever. A grateful mind is a happy mind.
2. Acknowledge the moment.
Being present and truly living in the moment is what we’re really missing out on. But if you just stop and look around you, you will see there are so many amazing things happening before your eyes. All you have to do is acknowledge them. Once you start paying attention to all the little magical things around you, you will realize how much you’ve been missing out on all this time. The key is to learn how to appreciate what you have before time makes you appreciate what you had.
3. Smile even if there’s nothing to smile about.
A smile is the best accessory you can possibly possess. It lifts you up and makes you look incredibly gorgeous. When you’re feeling down, and nothing seems to go right, instead of listening to sad songs, try putting on a wide smile. Think about all the things you should be thankful for, and smile as much as you can. It’s a simple thing to do, but it will surely ease your mind and help you get through your struggles.
4. Have a quality inner monologue.
No, this doesn’t mean to isolate yourself and go crazy. This means to take a step back and ask yourself valuable questions about where you are in life and what makes your existence so amazing. Search for ways to improve your life by improving yourself as a human being first. Ask yourself what can you do to make your favorite people happy. Figure out what truly matters in your life and learn how to cherish it. Make this inner monologue count.
5. Stop comparing yourself to other people.
Next time you start comparing yourself to someone else, remember this: The grass isn’t greener on the other side. It’s greener where you water it. Looking at what your friend has and being envious and angry that you don’t have it is only making you feel unsatisfied and pettish. You don’t need such kind of negative energy around you. There are too many people in this world having less than you, so you might as well be grateful for the things you have instead of beating yourself up for what you don’t.
6. Let go of negativity.
In order to be appreciative of the life you already have, you first need to let go of all the hatred and bitterness in your mind. All these negative thoughts and emotions are weighing you down while consuming all of your energy. There is no place for such troublesome vibes in your orbit. Forgive the people that hurt you, stop blaming the circumstances you could never control, and move on. Talk about your blessings more than you talk about your problems.
7. Be true to yourself.
Never forget to be grateful for yourself too. Always stay true to your beliefs, and be there for yourself when times get rough. No one knows you better than your own self. Know that as long as you believe in yourself, and focus your energy on appreciating life, amazing things are coming your way.
Every single heartbeat you have is a precious gift you need to cherish. After all, you never know when your heart would beat for the very last time. So, do the things that make your soul shine, love the people in your circle as much as you can, and make every little moment count. In the blink of an eye, it could all be taken away from you. So be grateful. Always.
