Why It’s Important to Express Gratitude for a More Abundant Life

Do you believe that by simply saying thanks, your life can change? Is it over the top to believe that the more you express gratitude the more you have even more things to be grateful for?

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This is what I’ve read in a whole lot of my favorite self-help books. In fact, it is said that if you were to poll millionaires, especially people who climbed to success from humble beginnings, you would find that they all practice gratitude in their daily lives in some form.

Oprah advocates for gratitude so much that she keeps a gratitude journal and shares her entries from time to time with her fans. In a post on her website, she shows us how her detour from her constant gratitude practice had a direct and profound effect on her life. She had to find back her gratitude groove and fast.

Why Expressing Gratitude is Important

In a world often defined by its relentless pace and countless demands, it’s easy to overlook the simple yet profound act of expressing gratitude. We rush from one task to another, chasing elusive goals and ambitions, seldom pausing to acknowledge the blessings that surround us. However, as I’ve come to learn, embracing gratitude can be a transformative force, leading to a life that is not only more abundant but also profoundly fulfilling.

In this article, we embark on a journey to explore the extraordinary power of expressing gratitude. It’s more than just a polite gesture or a fleeting emotion; it’s a mindset that has the potential to shape every facet of our existence. Whether you’re seeking greater happiness, improved relationships, or a deeper sense of purpose, gratitude can be the key that unlocks the door to a richer, more meaningful life.

We’ll delve into the essence of gratitude, not only understanding what it means but also discovering how to actively express it in our daily lives. Through scientific insights, practical tips, and real-life stories, we’ll uncover the myriad benefits of gratitude and unveil the path to embracing this life-changing practice.

What Does it Mean to Express Gratitude?

Many of us already express gratitude when something big happens in our lives that positively affects us. We give thanks for promotions, for making it home safely after long trips, after major operations, and when our kiddo eats their lunch at school.

However, the practice of expressing gratitude extends to simple everyday things like having warm coats in the winter, food to eat for dinner, or enough change in our purses to grab a coffee to go.

The science behind expressing gratitude in our everyday lives explains that the more we focus on finding things to give thanks for, the happier we become. This is because we’re noticing all the small blessings in our lives that we’ve begun to take for granted as regular occurrences.

Psychologists claim that the more we notice the things in our lives that are going well and take a moment to express thanks, especially through the practice of reflecting on them in a gratitude journal, we increase our well-being and general satisfaction with life.

Have fun while manifesting! Take my 21-Day Law of Attraction Manifestation Challenge: #ManifestWithMo and manifest something you desire in three weeks! I’ve lovingly put together this challenge for you using the tools that work for me time and time again. Check it out here!

Understanding Gratitude

Gratitude is a concept as old as humanity itself, a timeless virtue cherished across cultures and traditions. At its core, gratitude is the profound recognition of the good in our lives, the act of appreciating the blessings, big and small, that surround us. However, it’s crucial to distinguish between feeling grateful and expressing gratitude, for the latter holds the key to its transformative power.

Feeling Grateful vs. Expressing Gratitude

Feeling grateful is an internal sensation, a heartfelt recognition of the positive aspects of our lives. It’s that warm sensation that washes over us when we reflect on our loved ones, our health, or even the simple pleasures of life like a beautiful sunset or a warm cup of tea. These moments of personal gratitude, though deeply significant, often remain confined within our hearts.

Expressing gratitude, on the other hand, is the outward manifestation of this inner emotion. It’s the act of conveying our appreciation to others or the universe itself. It’s the conscious effort to turn our thoughts and feelings of gratitude into words and actions. This act of expression not only reinforces our own sense of gratitude but also has the remarkable ability to touch the lives of those around us.

The Significance of Gratitude

Why does gratitude matter? It matters because it transforms the way we perceive and interact with the world. When we embrace gratitude, we shift our focus from what we lack to what we have. It’s like adjusting a lens to see the beauty that surrounds us, even in the midst of challenges.

Gratitude has the power to improve our mental and emotional well-being. It can help us find contentment in the present moment, reduce stress, and increase our overall sense of happiness. Beyond the individual benefits, expressing gratitude strengthens our relationships, fostering a sense of connection and trust with those we appreciate.

In essence, understanding gratitude is the first step toward harnessing its life-changing potential. It’s about recognizing the difference between feeling grateful and actively expressing that gratitude. In the sections that follow, we’ll delve deeper into the benefits of expressing gratitude and explore practical ways to incorporate it into our lives for a more abundant and fulfilling existence.

Related: 9 Ways to Lead a Happier Life

The Benefits of Expressing Gratitude

As we explore the art of expressing gratitude, it’s essential to unravel the many ways in which this simple practice can positively impact our lives. Gratitude is more than just a social nicety; it’s a powerful tool for enhancing our overall well-being and creating a life that feels truly abundant.

1. Improved Mood and Reduced Stress

One of the immediate and remarkable effects of expressing gratitude is its influence on our emotional state. When we regularly acknowledge the things we’re grateful for, our minds become attuned to positivity. This shift in focus can lead to a significant improvement in our mood, helping us experience greater levels of joy and satisfaction.

Moreover, gratitude has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. By practicing gratitude, we train our minds to dwell less on worries and concerns, and more on the aspects of life that bring us happiness and contentment. This can lead to a greater sense of calm and resilience in the face of life’s challenges.

2. Enhanced Physical Health

Surprisingly, the benefits of gratitude extend beyond our emotional well-being. Numerous studies have linked gratitude practices to improved physical health. When we maintain a grateful outlook, we tend to engage in healthier behaviors, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet. Additionally, gratitude has been associated with stronger immune systems and better sleep patterns, both of which contribute to overall vitality.

3. Strengthened Relationships

Expressing gratitude is a powerful way to nurture and strengthen our relationships with others. When we convey our appreciation to friends, family members, colleagues, or even strangers, we create a positive and supportive social environment. This, in turn, fosters trust and deepens our connections with those around us.

Moreover, gratitude can defuse conflicts and enhance empathy. It reminds us of the goodness in people, even in times of disagreement or difficulty. By acknowledging the kindness and efforts of others, we build a foundation of mutual respect and understanding.

4. Increased Resilience

Gratitude also plays a role in our ability to bounce back from adversity. When we face challenges or setbacks, a gratitude practice can help us maintain perspective and find silver linings even in difficult situations. This resilience can be a valuable asset in navigating life’s inevitable ups and downs.

The Benefits of a Daily Gratitude Practice

Ok so there are proven benefits of expressing more gratitude, but why should you intentionally make a daily habit of it? Being purposeful with your gratitude practice involves noting the things you’re thankful for. This can be done electronically or in a gratitude journal. Why is it so important to actually write these things down? Here are 5 benefits of gratitude.

1. Gratitude Makes You Happy

As you travel through your day noting things to be happy for, you are awakened to just how good life is and all the things you’ve been taking for granted. Go ‘head, take stock of all the things you’ve got going for you throughout the day.

2. Gratitude Boosts Your Self-Esteem

Now that you’ve begun noticing all these things that you’ve got going on, you suddenly become aware of just how kick-ass you are and your life is. It puts a little pep in your step and has been shown to give you the confidence to take bolder steps in your career, relationships, and life in general.

Related: How to quickly turn your mood around and power through your day.

3. Gratitude Makes People Like You More

Everybody likes a kind person. Gratitude makes you kinder and more appreciative of the things others do to make you feel good. Through expressing this gratitude in a mindful and meaningful way, people can’t help but like you and gravitate towards you.

4. Gratitude Increases Your Spirituality

Whatever it is that you believe in, I’m willing to bet that gratitude is one of the pillars of your belief system. Expressing thanks puts you closer to your Spirit and increases your manifestations of all things good that you’re mindfully attracting. Deepak Chopra would say that gratitude opens the door to the power of the Universe. It opens up your blessings.

5. Gratitude Increases Your Appreciation for Life

Overall, taking stock of the small things around you to be grateful for makes you appreciate life in its present form. Often, we’re caught up in regret over our past and anxiety over our future instead of living in the now. A gratitude journal can help you to enjoy life’s everyday moments and allows you to reflect on all the things you have to be grateful for when you think your life is in the dumps.

Related: How to be a morning person (when you’re really not) 

How to Express Gratitude: Three Gratitude Activities

If you’re wondering how to begin your daily practice of being thankful, I’ve got three activities that you can incorporate into your life to get you going. These activities are fun to do by yourself or with your kids. I’ve gotten my 8yo daughter started on two of the three and will be working on getting the third going in my upcoming challenge.

Gratitude Journal

The first is to get a gratitude journal going. It’s essential to write down the things you’re grateful for each day so that you can go back and have a look at these things whenever you need a pick-me-up. It’s also good to just take that moment to feel good about whatever it is you’re giving thanks for. Writing helps us to reflect and connect with the positive emotions that thankfulness evokes.

I gave my munchkin a diary to capture her thoughts as well and every day she writes what she’s grateful for. This is a wonderful practice to start with the kiddos. If you’re interested in 28 journal prompts to boost your creativity so you’re not giving thanks for the same things every day, keep reading.

Have fun while manifesting! Take my 21-Day Law of Attraction Manifestation Challenge: #ManifestWithMo and manifest something you desire in three weeks! I’ve lovingly put together this challenge for you using the tools that work for me time and time again. Check it out here!

Gratitude At The Dinner Table

When I sit to have dinner with my 8yo, we engage in conversation and put away our devices for the moment. I’ve begun asking her what are some things throughout her day that she’s grateful for and it’s really resonated with her. When I forget this little aspect, she’s the one who nudges me now to express gratitude and I’m truly happy that this has resonated with her. Get them going young and hopefully, they will take the practice with them throughout their life. What an enriching prospect.

It also helps me to remind her of all the things she’s grateful for that she already has when she’s in naggy, whiny mode over some new toy or thing she wants to do. Taking her attention to all the things she already has does a good job of putting things into perspective for her, especially when I remind her how lucky she is to have all these things that some kids do not.

A Gratitude Bowl or Jar

If you’re like me then you have a few mason jars scattered around the house with no purpose assigned. This is a great time to use them! Or you can purchase a beautiful blessings jar such as this one. Every day, write one thing (or a few) on a sticky note or piece of paper and fold it up. Place it in the jar and then read it to yourself at the end of each month to reflect on all the things and moments you had to give thanks for.

What an awesome time it should be reflecting each month on the wonderful moments of the past 28-31 days! I can’t wait to get started on this one. Munchkin and I will decorate separate jars and take part in this practice each day at least for the next 28 days.

The Gratitude Challenge #28DaysOfThanks

If you’d like to embark with me on this practice of giving thanks every day, I invite you to join this challenge to receive daily gratitude journal prompts and affirmations for the next 28 days. Enter your details below to begin. Who doesn’t love a little sunshine in their life every morning?!

I will also be posting daily on Instagram using the hashtag #28DaysOfThanks similar to all my monthly challenges. Feel free to use the hashtag too and make sure to follow me on Instagram for more inspirational content.

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Expressing Gratitude in Different Contexts

Gratitude is a versatile and universal practice that can be applied in various facets of life. It has the remarkable ability to enhance every aspect of our existence, from our personal relationships to our professional endeavors. Let’s explore how expressing gratitude can create positive change in different contexts.

1. Gratitude in Personal Relationships

In our personal lives, expressing gratitude can deepen our connections with loved ones. Spouses, family members, and friends all appreciate hearing that their efforts and presence are valued. Small acts of gratitude, like saying “thank you” or writing heartfelt notes, can strengthen these bonds and create an atmosphere of love and appreciation.

2. Gratitude at Work

In the professional realm, gratitude can be a powerful tool for building a positive workplace culture. Managers who express appreciation for their employees’ hard work and dedication often have more engaged and motivated teams. Likewise, employees who acknowledge their colleagues’ contributions foster a collaborative and harmonious work environment.

3. Gratitude for Personal Growth

On a personal level, gratitude can be a catalyst for personal growth and self-improvement. When we express gratitude for our own qualities and achievements, we boost our self-esteem and self-worth. This, in turn, can empower us to set and achieve even more significant goals.

4. Gratitude in Times of Adversity

During challenging times, gratitude can be a source of strength and resilience. It helps us find silver linings and lessons in adversity, fostering a sense of hope and determination. Expressing gratitude during tough situations can be a powerful coping mechanism.

5. Gratitude for Well-Being

Gratitude isn’t solely about acknowledging others or external circumstances. It’s also about appreciating yourself and your own life. Practicing self-gratitude can lead to improved mental health and overall well-being. By recognizing your accomplishments, strengths, and moments of joy, you cultivate a sense of inner fulfillment.

6. Gratitude in the Community

Gratitude extends beyond individual relationships and can positively impact entire communities. When individuals within a community express gratitude and support one another, it fosters a sense of unity and collective well-being. This, in turn, can lead to the growth and prosperity of the community as a whole.

By embracing gratitude in these various contexts, we can create a ripple effect of positivity that touches not only our lives but also the lives of those around us. It’s a practice that knows no boundaries and can be adapted to suit any situation, ultimately leading to a more abundant and fulfilling life for ourselves and those with whom we interact.

More law of attraction reading:

• What is Manifesting
• The Difference Between Manifesting and the Law of Attraction
• Law of Attraction FAQs
• How to Use the 5×55 Manifesting Ritual
• How to Manifest Something in a Week
• How to Create a Manifesting Ritual
• 28 Day Gratitude Challenge
• 30-Day Happiness Challenge
• How to Recognize Signs from the Universe
• Visualization Exercises for Manifestation