Growing up in the Midwest, I always felt like there was something special about the world around me. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but I knew that there was an inherent magic in everything – from the way the leaves changed color in the fall to the sound of the wind rustling through the trees.
It wasn't until I was diagnosed as neurodivergent in my 40s that I realized that my perception of the world was different from most people's. But instead of seeing my differences as a weakness, I've come to embrace them as a source of strength. I believe that we all have inherent magic inside us, and that cultivating gratitude is one of the keys to unlocking it.
The Power of Gratitude
Gratitude is the practice of focusing on the good things in our lives and cultivating a sense of appreciation and thankfulness. It's not just a feel-good practice – research has shown that gratitude can have real and measurable benefits for mental health and well-being.
Studies have found that people who practice gratitude have better overall well-being, reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, and improved relationships with others. Gratitude has also been linked to greater resilience and better coping skills in the face of stress and adversity.
Daily Practices for Cultivating Gratitude
So how do you cultivate gratitude on a daily basis? Here are a few practices that have worked for me:
Tip One: Keep a gratitude journal
Keeping a gratitude journal is a simple and effective way to cultivate gratitude. Each day, take a few moments to write down a few things that you're grateful for. They can be big or small – anything from a good cup of coffee in the morning to a supportive friend or family member.
Personally, I like to take a few moments each morning to write down three things that I'm grateful for. It helps me start the day with a sense of appreciation and positivity.
Expanding on the practice of keeping a gratitude journal, there are many types of journals and notebooks available to help you cultivate gratitude on a daily basis. Here are a few examples:
- Gratitude Journal
A gratitude journal is a journal specifically designed for cultivating gratitude. It often includes prompts and exercises to help you focus on the positive aspects of your life.
One example is the "Good Days Start With Gratitude Journal", which prompts you to write down three things you're grateful for each day, as well as reflections on your day and inspirational quotes. You can purchase the Good Days Start With Gratitude Journal on Amazon through our affiliate link.
- Bullet Journal
A bullet journal is a customizable journaling system that can be tailored to your specific needs and preferences. It can include gratitude prompts and exercises, as well as trackers for habits and goals.
One example is the "Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal", which features dotted pages that can be used for bullet journaling. You can purchase the Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal on Amazon through our affiliate link.
- Guided Journal
A guided journal is a journal that includes prompts and exercises designed to guide you through a specific process, such as cultivating gratitude or self-reflection.
One example is "The Gratitude Journal for Women", which includes prompts and exercises to help you cultivate gratitude and self-care. You can purchase The Gratitude Journal for Women on Amazon through our affiliate link.
By keeping a gratitude journal, you can cultivate a sense of appreciation and positivity in your daily life. Whether you prefer a traditional gratitude journal, a customizable bullet journal, or a guided journal, there are many products and resources available to help you cultivate gratitude and live a more joyful and fulfilling life. Thanks for listening to "This American Life".
Tip Two: Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and focusing on your thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations. It's a powerful tool for cultivating gratitude, because it helps us appreciate the small moments of joy and beauty in our daily lives.
Personally, I like to practice mindfulness by taking a few deep breaths and focusing on my surroundings. I might notice the way the sun is shining through the window, or the sound of birds singing outside. By taking a few moments to appreciate these small moments of beauty, I can cultivate a sense of gratitude and joy.
Expanding on the practice of mindfulness, there are many tools and resources available to help you incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine. Here are a few examples:
- Mindfulness Apps
There are many mindfulness apps available for smartphones that can guide you through meditation and mindfulness exercises. One example is the "Headspace" app, which offers guided meditations and mindfulness exercises designed to reduce stress and increase happiness. You can download the Headspace app through our affiliate link.
- Essential Oils
Essential oils are plant-based oils that can be used to promote relaxation and mindfulness. There are many different types of essential oils, each with their own unique properties and benefits.
One example is lavender essential oil, which is known for its calming and relaxing properties. You can diffuse lavender essential oil in a diffuser or add a few drops to your bath to promote relaxation and mindfulness. You can purchase lavender essential oil on Amazon through our affiliate link.
- Yoga Mats
Yoga is a form of exercise that incorporates mindfulness and meditation. Having a comfortable and supportive yoga mat can help you get the most out of your practice.
One example is the "Manduka ProLite Yoga Mat", which offers cushioning and support for your joints while also being eco-friendly. You can purchase the Manduka ProLite Yoga Mat on Amazon through our affiliate link.
By incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine, you can cultivate a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the small moments of beauty in your life. Whether it's through guided meditation, essential oils, or yoga, there are many tools and resources available to help you practice mindfulness and cultivate gratitude. Thanks for listening to "This American Life".
Tip Three: Express gratitude to others
Expressing gratitude to others is a powerful way to cultivate a sense of appreciation and connection. Take time each day to express your gratitude to someone in your life, whether it's a family member, friend, or colleague.
Personally, I like to send a quick email or text message to someone once a week or so, to express my gratitude. It could be something as simple as thanking a friend for their support, or expressing appreciation to a colleague for their hard work.
Expanding on the practice of expressing gratitude to others, there are many ways to show appreciation and gratitude to the people in your life. Here are a few examples:
- Thank You Cards
Sending a handwritten thank you card is a thoughtful and personal way to express your gratitude to someone. There are many different types of thank you cards available, from simple and elegant to colorful and whimsical.
One example is the "Thank You Cards Assortment Pack" by Koko Paper Co., which includes a variety of thank you cards with different designs and messages. You can purchase the Thank You Cards Assortment Pack on Amazon through our affiliate link.
- Gratitude Journal for Two
A gratitude journal for two is a journal designed for couples or friends to share their gratitude with each other. Each day, you can write down something that you're grateful for about the other person.
One example is "The Two of Us: A Couples Gratitude Journal", which includes prompts and exercises designed for couples to cultivate gratitude and strengthen their relationship. You can purchase The Two of Us: A Couples Gratitude Journal on Amazon through our affiliate link.
- Gratitude Jar
A gratitude jar is a jar filled with notes or small objects that represent things you're grateful for. You can add to the jar each day, and then read through the notes or objects when you need a reminder of all the good things in your life.
One example is the "Gratitude Glass Jar with 365 Multi-Colored Cards", which includes a jar and 365 colored cards to write down things you're grateful for. You can purchase the Gratitude Glass Jar with 365 Multi-Colored Cards on Amazon through our affiliate link.
By expressing gratitude to others, you can cultivate a sense of connection and appreciation in your relationships. Whether you prefer sending thank you cards, sharing a gratitude journal with a loved one, or starting a gratitude jar, there are many products and resources available to help you cultivate gratitude and deepen your relationships.
It seems that by keeping a gratitude journal, practicing mindfulness, and expressing gratitude to others, you can cultivate a sense of appreciation and joy in your daily life. As a middle-aged, late-diagnosed neurodivergent woman from the Midwest, I believe that we all have inherent magic inside us. By cultivating gratitude, we can tap into that magic and unlock the full potential of our lives.Â