I have lost sight of practicing gratitude several times in my life, especially when it seemed as if everything was crumbling all around me – bills, breakups, or boredom from an unfulfilling job.
While gratitude journaling did indeed help at times, I didn’t feel like I could be consistent with it.
I was adamant about finding other methods beyond the typical “thank you” or a journal entry. If you need a little help finding yours, keep reading!
1. Gratitude Letters to Strangers
To strangers? Yep, absolutely! Write a short letter or one sentence of thanks to people you’ve never met.
Stay with me here.
Think of people like delivery drivers, the ever-optimistic cashier at Trader Joe’s, or even placing a note of encouragement on the windshield of the car parked next to you.
Does this feel awkward at first? Yes! But is it rewarding? Triple Yes!
2. Gratitude Coin
Grab a coin, a rock, or any small sentimental object that represents gratitude to you.
Simply carry it with you throughout the day and squeeze it every time you think of something that you are grateful for. Easy peasy!
3. Curate a Gratitude Playlist
Awwww yeeeeah, time for some tunes! Create a playlist of songs that make you feel thankful or remind you of positive memories.
Play it first thing in the morning, while fighting traffic on the way to work, or as you’re winding down for bed. Play it as often as you need to.
4. Random Acts of Gratitude
Practice acts of kindness and gratitude as a reminder of the things you do have.
Understandably, it can be quite easy to overlook the little things we have that others may not.
Donate clothes, take toiletries and/or canned goods to a shelter, or pay for someone’s coffee.
5. Daily Gratitude Photos
Use your phone to take a photo each day of something you’re thankful for.
Take a picture of your dog for its unconditional love, your microwave that heats your delicious food, or your earbuds that help you tune out your annoying family members (just kidding!).
While you’re enjoying a No-Spend Weekend, create a collage or photo album to keep nearby whenever you need a gentle reminder.
6. Time Gratitude
Offering your time to someone in need is one of the ultimate ways to show your gratitude to others.
It could be as simple as spending quality time together over coffee, babysitting your friend’s children, or even helping someone move.
7. Gratitude Jar
Write small notes (or just one word) of gratitude and place them in a jar or shoebox.
Wait a month or two before you read a few of them. You may be surprised to see how much your thoughts of gratitude have changed from over a month ago to now.
8. Gratitude Post-it Notes
Walk around your home, and stick short notes of gratitude in places you often go, like your closet, bathroom mirror or your fridge.
Also consider putting some on your window, or the wall next to your bed. Place them anywhere you can easily see and recite OUT LOUD (if you choose to) like a maniac. Just don’t wake the neighbors!
9. Outdoor Gratitude
When the weather is nice, take a moment to find a quiet place outdoors to sit and enjoy your environment.
Look around you and express gratitude for the gentle breeze on your skin, the shade from the tree that’s keeping your makeup from sliding down your face, the sound of birds chirping, or whatever else comes to mind at that moment.
As you can see, there is no right way to practice gratitude. The best method is the one you can consistently do. Each one is very different, so you will never get bored of doing the same thing repeatedly.
Make sure to cater these practices specifically to you, and watch as the things you want come to fruition – simply by appreciating the things you already have. Wink!
