Change is hard, exciting, sometimes scary, and always full of the unknown. Whether a new job, school year or a whole new chapter of our life, change can overwhelm with uncertainty.
When we choose the new beginning like moving to a new flat or going back to school, we can feel excitement to have new experiences, but if the change is not of our choosing, such as losing a job, suffering a bereavement or dealing with a surprising relationship change, the new beginning can evoke fear about how our lives will change and how we will cope.
In a life of inevitable change, the most important thing to remember is we always make it through, and this is where gratitude comes into the story. If we are faced with a new beginning that is not of our choosing, can we find anything in this ‘new’ that we can be grateful for? If our child is not sent to the school we hoped, can we be grateful to those around us dealing with a similar situation and find strength in the shared experience? If our well-planned trip goes a bit off the rails, can we keep in mind that there are still opportunities for adventure all around us? If we lose someone important to us, can we grieve and be grateful for what we had and trust that the next day will bring us one step closer to feeling more gratitude than grief?
Gratitude is about acknowledging appreciation for the things we value in life. It can be defined as a disposition to perceive and appreciate the meaningful aspects of our lives. It is an emotion of thankfulness and recognition for what we experience and value. Practicing gratitude can help us live happier lives. It is an effective way to cope with anxiety and, practiced regularly, can effectively combat negative thinking patters. Embracing gratitude can naturally improve our health, help us sleep better and can foster a desire to give back. Taking the time to notice and recognise the things we are grateful for each day can improve our outlook, improve our mood, and help us feel more positive in the face of challenges.
While it might sound like an interesting idea, embarking on a new way of thinking and seeing our world can also feel overwhelming. Why not start small with four simple steps:
- Notice good things, look for them and appreciate them
- See good things in your life as gifts, it helps us not take them for granted
- Enjoy and savour the gifts we have received
- Express your gratitude to yourself, write it down or thank someone involved
Choosing to recognise the positive, being grateful for the gifts we receive and being inspired to help others is the power of practicing gratitude. There is no risk in trying and you could find benefits in starting this new habit.
If you would like to learn more, here are a few podcasts about gratitude:
- Talks with the Gratitude Chick on Spotify
- Gratitude Blooming on www.gratitudeblooming.com/podcast
- The Daily Grateful with Michael Crose on FeedSpot
