Why Being Grateful Is Important In Your Life

There is no doubt that it’s easier for most people to be thankful when things are going well in their life as opposed to when they aren’t.
Yet, it’s in these difficult and trying times that appreciating what’s still good is of the utmost importance.
Sometimes we take for granted the things about ourselves, others, and our lives that are positive and meaningful.

When challenges arise, or when you receive news of something unsettling about your life or someone you know, or in the world, it is a wake-up call to truly appreciate all that is present in your life just as it is.
Whether internal and/or exte
al, these tough times are not only a reminder of what was beautiful and right about your life, but more importantly, what still is right here, right now, this very moment.
It’s easy to get caught up in the days as they are and our expectations and perfections of how things “should or shouldn’t” be.
You may recognize what’s important in your life, but are you appreciating what’s really of the essence?
From time to time you may become tricked by your beliefs, the negatives in your thinking or of what’s occurring, and find yourself focusing on what’s not working out as opposed to the blessings that are still abundant all around you even when you feel they aren’t.
Sometimes things seem so absolutely unbearable, horrific, unjust, etc. that you just can’t see anything to feel grateful about.
There were definitely times in my life where I didn’t believe there was anything to be happy about or thankful for anymore; where the emotional darkness I felt held no light. Yet, there was hope.
I became so engrossed with what was occurring and the emotional state I was in that I stopped seeing all the promise that was still surrounding me.
I challenge you to look again during those emotional times. If you can’t see anything, look harder.
Let go for a moment of what hurts or that which you feel is causing you remorse, doubt, pain, unhappiness, uncertainty, fear, and so on.
Center yourself and then your attention to what moves you, or makes you smile, or warms YOUR heart.

You may or may not be able to do this right away depending on the circumstances or how caught up you are in your emotions, but if you take the time, you will find those moments of appreciation aren’t as far off as you thought they were.
You can be grateful for anyone or anything, big or small, and when you are, a spark of hope and “all is well” begins to return.
Being thankful reminds us that there is still goodness even in the midst of turmoil.

If you change your beliefs towards what is occurring, and you are determined to find a those precious and divine moments, you will find them; they are right there inside and outside of you!
If you haven’t already, start a grateful journal.
Each day write down the things you are thankful for; add some pictures for more of an impact or heartfelt nudge.
When you are experiencing emotional times and having difficulty quieting the endless negative chatter that seems to take over and you can’t muster up what there is to be grateful or happy for, you can look over what you have already.
Sometimes all it takes is a gentle reminder and you are able to become appreciative once again.

Be grateful for your loved ones, your friends, your pets, your sobriety, your car, your job, your home, your bed, your clothes, your shoes, etc. More importantly be thankful for the freedom to still create positive lasting memories if only for a day!
Being grateful not only benefits you but those around you as well. You become an inspiration in your own life and possibly the lives of those you encounter.

You become more hopeful, lighter, happier, more loving, kinder, understanding, compassionate, empathetic, and thankful. It just doesn’t get any better than that.
What are you grateful for today?

Use these techniques to assist you in seeing why being grateful is important to your life.