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6 Tips On How You Can Appreciate Life And Show Gratitude

Ways To Appreciate Life And Be Grateful

Everyone all has something to be thankful for, even those who live a modest lifestyle by choice or by circumstance. Focusing on material possessions rather than on the very fact that you're living and breathing, tend to make you forgetful of the most relevant gifts, such as your family and your health. When was the last time you said thank you for being alive? Sounds silly, right? Well, if you barely have time to appreciate what you have, how can you ever desire anything more?

Life is a miracle and can be taken away in a moment's notice. Regardless of your spiritual beliefs, there are many ways you can show your appreciation for your life. Sometimes showing your gratitude can be as simple as saying "thanks," but other times, you can show gratitude by helping others or "paying it forward." After all, you'll never know how a simple, kind gesture will affect someone's day. Here are some ideas to help you appreciate life while also helping others.

1 Take Time To Reflect On Your Life

Write a poem, essay, or short story about your life. What sacrifices did your parents make for you? What struggles did the family endure? How is your experience, better or relaxed than that of your great-grandparents? How did these events make you the person you are today?

2 Meditate On Everything Good In Your Life

Find a quiet place to think about all that's good in your life. Think about your health, family, or home and simply say "thank you" to your Creator. This also gives you a sense of inner peace.

3 Make A Connection

Reach out to your extended family and friends. Send them cards to say "Hi," call or email them, or even throw a party to reconnect and show these people they're important to you. A simple way of showing that you care for those who are important to you will mean a lot to them.

4 Strengthen Your Family Bond

Actions speak louder than words, so turn off that television and spend some quality time with your family just to have some fun! Plan for a quality time, whether it's a surprise getaway or a family game night. Renewing your relationships with your family will strengthen your bond and bring you closer together.

5 Keep A Gratitude Journal

Write down all the things you're grateful for in your life and reflect on all that is good. Even the simplest things, such as finding a parking space at the mall or locating your missing keys. Keep in your mind that these are times to be grateful for!

6 Pay It Forward

Spend a few hours a week volunteering at a hospital, nursing home, or soup kitchen. Take a good look at the people you're helping, listen to their stories, and be grateful that you're fortunate enough to help those in need. When you give of yourself, either with a smile or another kind gesture, you receive the warm satisfaction of helping to make a difference in the world, one person at a time. Your uplifting attitude will be contagious, and you just might be the recipient of a random act of kindness!

Sometimes, it's all too easy to engage in these activities and give thanks for a good life, yet over time, people somehow fall back into their old habits. In these times, you need a jolt to remind yourself of all that is good. So go on, give thanks, and share your gratefulness to others!



About Author

Jackie Wing

Jackie Wing is an Alaska native, who enjoys snowboarding more than is probably socially acceptable. She lives in Anchorage with her two dogs Reese and Peanut, or as she likes to call them "Thing 1" and "Thing 2."