Gratitude. Essential for Mental Health

I just want to offer advice that has helped me during challenging times.  Those of you who know me know that I talk about this subject a lot. And sometimes annoyingly so.  But I cannot emphasize how much this changed my life.

Like most people on this planet, I've had my ups and downs.  Sometimes the downs were torturous for me. People would tell me over and over again about this method, but so often, I'd let my problems be in the forefront of my mind and would not take the time to do this.  Even though I kept telling myself I'd try it someday.  What is this method??

One word:  G R A T I T U D E

At first it was difficult for me.  But I generally try to do things in a big way.  So I would try to be grateful for something that really wasn't a reality in my life.  Just something I wanted to be in my life thinking I could "manifest" gratitude (Gratitude and manifestation are two different subjects and we will talk manifestation in another post). So below, I'm listing what worked for me. You can do the same thing or experiment with other methods you try.  But it changed my life and when challenges get tough, I go back to the beginning instructions I'm listing below.  It doesn't have to be complicated.

Make sure to find something to be grateful for every day. It doesn't have to be big. Some days it would be a flower that Pouka would walk up to on our daily walk to the shop.  And in my head or sometimes out loud, I'd say "Thank you for showing me that beautiful flower" If you can't go the flower route, be grateful for your hot cup of coffee or your cold glass of water.  It may sound silly to talk to your glass and thank the water, but starting small is a great start to get you in practice for when the bigger things come.  And most importantly, if you struggle with gratitude, treat yourself with patience and love.  Many people believe that it's easy but often when we are struggling, it is not.  Please don't get frustrated with yourself.  Love yourself and treat yourself gently. If it doesn't come today.  Stop and try again tomorrow.  Remember, start small and work toward the bigger items of gratitude.  If you can start big, great!  I haven't talked to many people that can accomplish that. So keep doing what you are doing!

With this, I will end it here and wish you many blessings.