Yesterday was Memorial Day. A day to remember and honor those who gave their lives in battle. Many have close friends of relatives who made that ultimate sacrifice, while others have a more tenuous personal connection.
I am of the latter group. I don’t have any immediate family members currently in the military. And while I have several extended family members who served in various ways at different points, they always came home.
Many didn’t.
When we are not close to the sacrifice, it’s easy to take it for granted. In those cases, we must cultivate gratitude.
These tips are for growing in your gratitude, not just for those who laid down their lives, but for the simple blessings you experience each day.
1. Write it down.
You’ve heard, “Count your blessings.” Take it a step further and write them down. This extra effort forces you to really contemplate on those blessings.
2. Say thanks often.
When someone does something for you, thank them. Even better, write them a note. This process draws our attention to just how much others do for us on a daily basis. It also helps us realize how much we need others to help us.
3. Skip the comparing.
Comparing is a game where everyone loses. It robs you of joy, and it kills gratitude. When you’re tempted to compare yourself or your possessions with others, simply say, “I have all I need. I’m good enough as myself. I don’t have to be someone else or have what they have.” Easier said than done? Yes. Worth it to redirect your thoughts? Absolutely.
4. Imagine if…
When I’m in need of an attitude adjustment (which is more often than I care to admit), I like to play, “Imagine if…” It goes like this: Think about something (or someone) you have in your life. Imagine your life without it, and realize that your life could be so much worse.
For example, I love home design. So seeing a beautiful space can sometimes make me feel a little jealous. Then I imagine my life without a home, without running water, without electricity. That is reality for many people in our world. I realize how meaningless the “extras” are, and it puts things in perspective.
5. Step outside your comfort zone.
If we only spend time with people who live like us, we are cheating ourselves of some major gratitude. Spend some time with people who don’t live like you, and you will quickly gain an appreciation for all that you have. Seek ways to volunteer or to meet people on their turf.
6. Enjoy the little things.
We spend a lot of time chasing big things. Big dreams. Big vacations. Big trucks. Big houses. Big degrees. Don’t forget to enjoy all the little things that make up our mundane life.
As I type this, there’s a blue bird chirping outside my window. That little blessing brings me joy on a daily basis. There are little blessings all around you. That good cup of coffee. That new book you wanted to read. The ability to walk or run. The stroll in the park. The giggles from children. The sunset. Enjoy them. Be grateful for them. After all, the big things are comprised of everyday, little moments.
7. Remember your purpose.
If someone were to ask us our purpose in life, I highly doubt many of us would say, “To get as much as I can.” What a sad existence that would be! We have a purpose in this life, and that purpose is bigger than ourselves. For me? My purpose is to live like Christ so that I and others can spend eternity with our Savior. I don’t know what your purpose is. But when we realize we can live out our purpose, regardless of our circumstances, gratitude flows freely.
I hope your day is wonderful and full of gratitude.