Gratitude is a powerful way to show appreciation and thankfulness for the people, the things, and the experiences in our lives. It has been scientifically proven to benefit our health and overall well-being. For the entire month of September, I consciously decided to focus on gratitude, which I called “thirty days of gratitude.” I did this because I have so much to be grateful for, and I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge that. Every day, I intentionally did at least one act to express my appreciation and reverence for life, my loved ones, and all my blessings. These acts included paying it forward, journaling, meditating, and donating. As I come to the end of this month-long journey, I would like to share my experience.
At first, it was challenging to develop ideas for expressing gratitude. I spent a lot of time thinking about what I should do to show appreciation and make a significant impact. However, as the first week went by, I realized that the act itself did not have to be grand or elaborate. The point was to be intentionally grateful. By the second week, it became easier. I focused on the small things that are often taken for granted. I continued to express gratitude for my health and spent more time with my loved ones. I also started a gratitude journal and wrote down what I was thankful for, using prompts I found on Pinterest.
As I conclude this month, I feel a sense of fulfillment and joy. Practicing gratitude has been incredibly gratifying and rewarding. It has not only made me feel better and given me many reasons to smile, but it has also brought so much more into my life. By focusing on gratitude, I have experienced a reduction in stress and improved relationships with those in my life. I have also received more abundance by being grateful and appreciating what I already have. What started out as a 30-day intention has become a daily practice I plan to continue. I encourage you to try it, too!