Gratitude and Confidence

The practice of gratitude can be the starting point of a more satisfying life. It is also a factor in your self-confidence, as it increases your level of self-acceptance. It's something anyone can do, it takes a few minutes a day and doesn't cost a dime.

There have been studies that indicate that people who practice gratitude are happier, less stressed, more satisfied with their relationships and have higher levels of control of their environment. Grateful people have more positive ways of dealing with problems, and sleep better. Studies have shown that if you think more positive thoughts before going to sleep you will sleep better.

Although there are many emotions and traits that are important elements of a satisfying life, gratitude is a uniquely important element. Gratitude has been demonstrated to explain well-being more that any other of the most commonly studied personality traits.

There is always something to be grateful for, as per the saying of the man who complained about his shoes until he met a man who had no feet.

I have so much to be grateful for including my wonderful daughter. I also feel grateful every day for things like a delicious cup of coffee or finding a good parking spot! We all have moments like this, even on difficult days. The key is to be aware of these moments and focus our attention on them.

Here are a couple of ways to make gratitude part of your life:

1-Keep a gratitude journal, a proven method of increasing emotional and physical well-being. Every night before you go to sleep write down 5 things for which you are grateful. It can be a meal or an important accomplishment. It's ok to repeat the same things. The important thing is to experience the feeling as you write the item down. Make a commitment to practice this for just 10 days and see what happens. You will experience an appreciation of the positive in your life.

2-Write a gratitude letter or make a gratitude visit. This is not a thank you note, although those are great too! It is a thoughtful statement about what gives you pleasure in a relationship and describes specific aspects of a relationship. It is a simple and profound exercise that has great meaning for both the author and recipient.

Life is really all in how we view it and how we think about it. Wouldn't you just rather have a happy and positive life? It's in your power. Practice gratitude and see what a difference it can make.