“Being joyful isn’t what makes you grateful. Being grateful is what makes you joyful.” – Ann Voskamp

Gratitude has been on my mind recently. While it may not come naturally to many of us, myself included, gratitude can truly have a significant and broad impact. Practicing gratitude helps me to appreciate the small details in life that I otherwise may tend to overlook, particularly given the busyness of daily life. Noticing not only the big things that we are grateful for, but also the small details, helps us to get our mind off ourselves and the chaos of life, and onto what is good and real.

Consider how special it is to slow down to appreciate the big blue sky and fluffy white clouds; to notice the birds chirping in the morning, the smell of coffee, and the way the warm sunshine feels on your skin. This practice broadens our outlook beyond our standard, rushed point of view.

Here are a few practical suggestions:

• Keep a gratitude journal, or a notes page on your phone where you can write down a few specific things you’re grateful for each day.
• Slow down! Slowing down and taking time to be fully present and observant of our surroundings can help open our eyes to noticing the subtle details in life that we might not normally see.
• Practice – being grateful is a choice. It is a conscious decision to get our mind onto what is good. It takes some mind training to get to the place where this feels second nature. But like all things in life, the more you practice, the easier it becomes.

When we become grateful people, it draws others to want to be around us. We begin to become a better leader, a better team member, a better spouse, and friend. Gratitude reminds us that life really isn’t all about us.

In what ways has gratitude influenced your life? What are some specific things you are grateful for? We’d love to hear from you!