As we wrap up November, Eryn Adkins reminds us that gratitude is a habit that can lift our souls in any season. Elisa
Practicing Gratitude
By Eryn Adkins
Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. - Melody Beattie
There was a time when my circumstances felt too big and full of emotion to deal with. I attempted to find gratitude, but it felt like a hopeless effort. After exhausting all my other attempts, I tried a few disciplines of gratitude and somehow it got me through the waves of grief at that time. Grief and big emotions still show up in my life, but I’ve now made a commitment to practice gratitude.
Have you ever found yourself completely overwhelmed by the season of life you are in? Maybe you feel a little abandoned by some friendships that are not showing up, or you may feel like you’re second-guessing your job. Maybe you feel like you’re in way over your head and you’re far from seeing any glimmer of improvement.
I have one word for you, and it might produce an eye roll, or two … you might think this is cheesy but hang in there with me and try it ...
– G R A T I T U D E –
Gratitude is truly a powerful mindset that has improved my overall well-being and outlook on life. I promise it can change you too.
Here Are The Top Four Things That You Can Do To Help You Become More Grateful:
Gratitude Journaling
Keeping a gratitude journal involves regularly writing down things you are grateful for. Do this in the morning and even on the bad days, try to end your day with a small list. This practice encourages you to focus on the positive aspects of your life, even the small things, and helps shift your perspective towards the things that are life-giving.
Acts of Kindness
Engaging in acts of kindness for others can increase your feelings of gratitude. Buy someone's lunch in the drive-thru line, Instacart a friend their favorite snacks. Be on the lookout for how you can serve your friends and community. Think outside of yourself. Helping others and witnessing their positive reactions can make you more appreciative of the connections you have and the impact you can make on others' lives.
Limit Media Consumption
Reducing your exposure to negative news and social media can help you become more grateful. Constant exposure to negativity can distort your perspective and make it harder to appreciate the positive aspects of life.
Reflect on Challenges
Reflecting on past challenges, seeing where God pursued you in moments of desperation and how you overcame them can increase your gratitude. Recognizing your own strength and resilience can help you appreciate the lessons and growth that difficult experiences have brought you.
Remember, cultivating gratitude is an ongoing practice and a discipline that takes time and effort. A lot of it. Becoming more grateful for the little things and the big will not fix your feeling of overwhelm but it will help boost endorphins when you need them most. Incorporating these habits into your daily routine can gradually shift your mindset and help you see the world through a more grateful lens.
Eryn Adkins is the co-host of God Hears Her podcast, along with Elisa Morgan. She is the founder and CEO of So Worth Loving, a lifestyle clothing brand. Since starting in 2011, she’s grown her company to include customers in all fifty states and in thirty countries, and the company is still going strong. Eryn is the author of So Worth Loving: How Discovering Your True Value Changes Everything. She and her work have been featured on CNN and MSNBC, as well as Southern Living and Atlanta Magazine. This creative enjoys oil painting and singing, and she’s even had her music featured on MTV and VH1. Eryn is also an author and a speaker, and she calls Atlanta home.