How to Be Grateful When Life Feels Hard

 

When life feels especially hard, or we’re just trying to get through the day, it can be challenging to see all the good that’s happening in our lives. Or worse, it can feel like there isn’t anything good!

You may already know the benefits that come from practicing gratitude (it boosts your mood and self-esteem, helps you experience better health and sleep), but even with all the good it does for your body, mind and spirit, during tough times, it’s easy to fall off the gratitude wagon and to focus on everything you don’t have vs. all that you do.

Be honest, in the past 48 hours have you…

Stopped to appreciate the changing leaves (or taken in your local scenery, whatever it may be)?

Expressed gratitude for your family members or dearest friends?

Felt thankful for all that you have in your life?

If your answers are no, not really, and not even a little bit, here’s a little nudge to help you get back on track with being grateful.

Dust off your gratitude journal and start small. Fill up a page with all the little things you’re grateful for (hello morning cup of coffee and tail-wagging pups!) 

If you’re having trouble thinking of anything to be grateful for, keep things simple. You’ve got eyes that see and a brain that can read this sentence.

Next, fill another page with all the biggies you have to be thankful for. (Your partner, your health, a roof over your head, etc.)

Then, tell three people today, “Thank you.”

It could be your grocery store clerk, your mom, your fur baby who keeps you smiling, or anyone who’s shown some love or been of service to you lately. 

Take an extra minute to give sincere thanks to them and spread more gratitude and joy out into the world. 

Just like with anything, the more you practice gratitude, the easier it becomes, so make it a point to start and end your day with a simple list of five things you’re thankful for.

Gratitude is the secret sauce to a happy life and November is synonymous with giving thanks. Take time this month to pause and be grateful for all the good in your life. 

With love and thanks,
Emily and the EveryDay Happy Team

P.S. Thank you for being part of the EveryDay Happy community. We’re grateful for you!

P.P.S. Join us on Instagram to feel inspired, uplifted and for daily tips to create more joy in your life. 

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Quote du jour

“It’s a funny thing about life, once you begin to take note of the things you are grateful for, you begin to lose sight of the things that you lack.” — Germany Kent

 

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