When was the last time you felt truly grateful for everything you have in your life? The big things. The small things. All of it. Chances are you haven’t taken a moment to really express gratitude for all that you have.

Did you know that having an attitude of gratitude is a powerful self-care practice? There is emerging research that shows that expressing gratitude can re-wire our brains for increased happiness and better physical health. By dwelling on what we do not have and feeling negative about our situations, we are only attracting more negativity. Expressing gratitude changes our perspective and allows us to focus on the more important things in life and forget about the petty day-to-day annoyances that we can sometimes get stuck dwelling on. People who regularly and genuinely express gratitude have a sense of abundance in their lives and recognize life’s small gifts.

This concept became mainstream through the work of Rhonda Byrne in her 2006 best-selling book, “The Secret.” There is also a documentary-style movie version of the book on Netflix and I recently found out that later this year there will be a feature film based on the concepts. It is truly worth exploring.

We run around so crazy and we take so much for granted. We don’t take a moment to feel grateful for what we have. It is simple to do, and it can have a dramatic impact on your well-being.

Here is how to get started:

1. Make a Gratitude List – write down 3-5 things every day that you are grateful for and be specific! This can be done in a journal designed as a gratitude journal (Amazon has some for less than $10), but any journal or even the note function on your phone will do.
2. Talk about what you are grateful for with others.
3. Give someone a sincere compliment.
4. Say Thank you!
5. If you have a meditation practice, add a thankfulness component to it by reflecting on all that you are grateful for including specific people and experiences.
6. Write someone a note or letter of gratitude. Did you have a teacher or coach that helped you? Did you ever say thank you to them for their lasting impression? Maybe now is the time to do so.

Warning – gratitude is highly contagious! So, spread it around freely and openly.

What have you got to lose?

I will get us started, today I am grateful for…

• A job that allows me downtime and time to re-charge.
• My adoring and supportive husband who endorses all my wild ideas.
• My inspirational and loving mother whose unwavering encouragement has allowed me to achieve my goals and continue to do so.
• My health and well-being.
• My wonderful “Dr. MC’s Self-Care Cabaret” subscribers and followers who are helping me make my dream a reality.

Now it is your turn!

Comment below and tell me something that you are grateful for…

Best,

Dr. MC