So let’s talk about gratitude. It can be really freaking annoying when someone tells you to “just be grateful for xyz” when you’re feeling like your world is crumbling, right? Like ok, Donna, thanks for the great advice. Why didn’t I think of that? *cue eye roll

Gratitude is hard sometimes. Some seasons in life it’s really hard to see all the little blessings around us. That’s why they say you have to cultivate it; you have to actually plant the seed and grow gratitude. That’s why they call it a practice; you have to do it over and over again to get good at it.

But something amazing happens when we practice gratitude. The more we do it, the more our brains seek out those moments. We are training our brains to look for the beauty and joy in the ordinary!

Some practical advice on gratitude journaling:

Every day, write at least three things you are grateful for. Try to be as specific as possible! Though it is absolutely necessary to be grateful for all the big things in life like family, health, shelter, etc., those things typically don’t change day to day. When you start listing more specific moments or things, your brain will start to take notice of all the little blessings.

I challenge you to try this daily practice for at least a week and see if your mood changes!