In the midst of the daily hustle and bustle of family life, wouldn’t it be wonderful to cultivate a sense of gratitude within our homes? We don’t pretend to be great at always showing gratitude, so this is for us as much as it is for you!
The tips we are sharing come from our podcast episode where we referenced an article by Heather Johnson. Heather is a counselor, adjunct professor and mom of six, so it’s safe to say she knows a thing or two. These practical tips on how to nurture gratitude and make it a family practice are sure to enrich your family’s life. After all, a grateful heart is a happy heart!
Focus on the Value of Gratitude
We all know that gratitude is a wonderful thing, but sometimes we need a little nudge to truly appreciate its benefits. By consciously focusing on gratitude, you’re putting energy toward it. It’s amazing how this can positively impact your family’s mental and physical well-being. Expressing gratitude has been known to improve sleep, your mood, and immunity. Gratitude can also help reduce depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and the risk of disease. So, take a moment each day to reflect on the things you’re grateful for.
Give Credit to Something Bigger
Whether you’re religious or not, recognizing something greater than yourself can be a powerful source of gratitude. If you’re religious, you might turn to God as your higher power. If not, consider nature or the universe. It’s a reminder that we are part of something grander and beautiful in this world, and can help instill a sense of wonder and gratitude in your family.
Create Daily Gratitude Practices
Our brains are wired to solve problems, not necessarily to appreciate the good things in life. This is where daily gratitude practices come into play. One fun idea we love is the “Thankful Turkey.” Each year, we put a paper turkey on the wall, and every day, we add a feather with something we’re thankful for written on it. By the end of November, we have a splendid looking turkey displaying all the things our family is grateful for.
Replace Comparison with Joy
Theodore Roosevelt once wisely said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” In today’s world of social media, it’s all too easy to fall into the comparison trap. We see everyone’s highlight reels and may feel like we’re falling short. But remember, nobody’s life is perfect, and we all have our own unique joys and challenges.
Teach your family that it’s okay not to compare themselves to others. Instead, celebrate the moments that make your family unique and special. Encourage your children to embrace their own journey and find happiness in their individual accomplishments.
Practicing gratitude doesn’t always come easy but remember, you don’t have to implement all of these tips at once. It’s perfectly okay to pick one of these four tips to start with and go from there. Gradually, you can make gratitude a beautiful part of your family’s everyday life. As we’ve discovered, it’s not about having a perfect life but finding joy and appreciation in the little moments.
What’s your favorite way to encourage gratitude in your home? Share your tips and stories in the comments below – we’d love to hear from you!