The Transformative Power Of A Daily Grateful Mindset

Doing Emotional Gratitude
Author - Chris Anderon

Gratitude is a powerful force that can transform our lives, not just during good times but also during life's challenges. It's easy to overlook our blessings when we feel overwhelmed or when things seem to be going well and to attribute our appreciation to external factors. However, it's important to understand that gratitude is essential even without challenges. We must genuinely experience its life-changing effects rather than simply saying, "Of course, I'm grateful." Gratitude is not just a feeling; it's an action. We can influence those around us to feel good and strengthen our relationships by expressing our appreciation to others. Consistent practice can revolutionize our lives, creating more profound emotional gratitude experiences. Extensive research has shown that gratitude significantly enhances mental health, happiness, and relationships. Let the transformative power of gratitude inspire you to start your gratitude journey, realizing the positive changes it can bring to your life. No matter how challenging life may seem, gratitude has the power to transform it into something beautiful, offering hope and optimism for the future.

You might feel stuck in a routine of dreading the week ahead and not thoroughly enjoying the weekend. Or perhaps you are so focused on your own or others' mistakes that you miss a friend's compliment. Finding the positives or showing gratitude can be difficult, especially when surrounded by people who enjoy sharing negative experiences. However, in these moments, it's important to remember that practising gratitude is worthwhile.

Showing gratitude can be challenging at times, regardless of your circumstances. Many focus more on negative experiences or news, while positive moments fade. It's easy to habituate to the bad and overlook the good. It is essential to pay attention to this tendency and take the first step towards overcoming it to cultivate a more grateful mindset. Whenever you focus on the positive and express gratitude, you can counteract the negativity surrounding you, leading to a more positive and fulfilling life. Gratitude is not just a response to positive experiences; it's a powerful tool to counteract negativity and empower you to shape your narrative.

Developing gratitude is not too dissimilar to building a muscle. By practising the right exercises, you can learn to appreciate even the most minor things on your most challenging days. Cultivating gratitude may seem cliche,  but rest assured, scientific studies have proven its benefits. The scientific evidence is there to back it up, giving you confidence in its effectiveness. Following these tips, you can utilize appreciation to improve your mood,  counteract negativity, build stronger relationships, and transform your self-perception. The science behind gratitude is solid, and it's a tool you can trust to bring about positive changes in your life.

Gratitude is not just a feeling; it's a powerful tool that can positively impact your brain. When you express gratitude, your brain releases The neurochemical serotonin and dopamine, which are linked to happiness and pleasure. At the same time, it reduces stress hormones, leading to decreased anxiety and improved mood in the short term. But the benefits don't stop there. Regularly practising gratitude can bring lasting changes in your brain, making you more primed to feel grateful. Studies have shown that changes in brain activity due to appreciation are associated with improved mental health, increased happiness, and overall well-being.


Activity practice Emotional Gratitude 

Practising Gratitude can help create a state of mind where anxiety, stress, and fear are unable to thrive. This mental state can help you achieve a state of 'Flow', a concept introduced by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. Flow is considered the optimal human experience and describes a state where an individual fully engages in an activity, experiencing complete immersion and enjoyment. People in this state often lose track of time because where we are wholly focused on and appreciative of the present moment. To experience genuine joy and gratitude, one must commit to making it happen and cultivate a sense of appreciation for life's moments. Making gratitude a part of your daily routine can make it easier to change your emotions and achieve happiness. Striving for this state of flow through daily gratitude practice can bring pure joy and positivity.


Here's a Sample List of Ideas to Start you Off

What If you were to start focusing on all the values of other people, inventions, and things that exist today, which you get to use, experience, or own, and which came into existence without any effort on your part?

1. Access to clean water and food

2. Modern medicine and healthcare

3. Transportation and infrastructure

4. Education and knowledge

5. Technology and communication

6. Freedom and human rights

7. Nature and the environment

8. Art, and music

9. Family and community

10. Opportunities for personal growth and development

11. The kindness and generosity of others


And what about all those books you get to read and the opportunity to travel, which can significantly impact our lives? Books provide knowledge, inspiration, and an escape. They can broaden our perspectives and help us understand different cultures, experiences, and ideas. Travel, on the other hand, offers direct experiences with new cultures, people, and places. It can lead to personal growth, new friendships, and a deeper understanding of the world. Both books and travel contribute to our education, personal development, and overall well-being.


Appreciate it And Give it Thanks

1. Start a gratitude journal to document things you are grateful for in advance.

2. Visualize and affirm your gratitude for future blessings and success.

3. Practice mindfulness to keep your focus on positive expectations for the future.

4. Express Gratitude to others in advance for their support and encouragement.

5. Create a vision board or scrapbook to represent what you are grateful for that's coming into your life in the future visually. If using a scrapbook, get creative with coloured pens and pencils and draw doodles. 

6. Use positive affirmations to cultivate a grateful mindset for what's to come.

7. Volunteer and give back to the community to express gratitude for future opportunities.



Expressing gratitude goes beyond simply saying "thank you." It involves recognizing and appreciating the meaningful and valuable things in your life. One way to do this is by starting your day with a few minutes of reflection and writing down three things you are grateful for. Turning this into a daily habit can improve your outlook, boost your mood, and maintain a positive mindset even during difficult times. This practice helps you take charge of your happiness and well-being, putting the power of positivity in your hands. Remember, the more you practice gratitude, the more you'll benefit personally, enhancing your mental health, happiness, and relationships. Let gratitude be your guide on the journey to a better you.

To your success,