Gratitude is no longer something reserved just for the holidays. Regularly practicing gratitude can boost your happiness levels, improve your relationships, and sharpen your focus on the positive.
And yet, one of the most important people you should feel gratitude for in your life is often forgotten—YOU.
It may sound counterintuitive during “the season of giving” (or any time of year, for that matter) to think of yourself when expressing gratitude. Still, the key to focusing on what truly matters absolutely starts with you—by unlocking greater potential and purpose.
Conscientious & Intentional Mattering.
Everyone wants to feel valued and significant. That’s why recognizing your individually unique contributions and presence is essential. Because if you can’t see these things in yourself, how will anyone else?
I like to tell my clients to picture the morning of their birthday. Imagine coming downstairs and seeing lots of presents but not opening them. This wouldn’t happen; you wouldn’t just walk by them. Because you want to open them. You want to enjoy them. Appreciate them. Acknowledging what we’re grateful for in ourselves is just like that. Each and every one of us has tremendous gifts. They’re all just sitting there, waiting for us to relish and benefit from them.
Recognizing your worth and celebrating it builds confidence and resilience. It helps you feel joyous when times are good and strong enough to know you can weather setbacks.
Choose How You Matter.
If you’re not used to it, appreciating yourself can initially be uncomfortable. Creating rituals and establishing habits can help you really feel and experience gratitude for yourself. And when we experience gratitude, we feel like we matter.
Start by getting into a rhythm of asking yourself three questions at the end of each day.
What mattered to me?
How did I matter to others?
How do I matter for myself?
Journaling, keeping a note on your phone, or simply answering these questions in your mind before bed helps you acknowledge your achievements and positive traits while also reinforcing your self-worth. Being thankful for yourself and your talents can also help define a sense of purpose.
No matter the season, the time is always right to practice gratitude. And the best part? The more you practice gratitude, the more you feel it.
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