Practicing Gratitude

I recently attended the Momentous Institute Conference in Dallas and heard a speaker talk about a simple daily routine to express gratitude. He suggested taking four minutes in bed, first thing in the morning, to direct grateful thoughts towards four individuals in our lives. I have started practicing this approach and it makes a difference in how I start the day and view the world.

This is my gratitude routine (1 minute for each person):

1) Think grateful thoughts about a family member.

2) Send thoughtful kindness towards a friend for whom you are grateful.

3) Silently express gratitude towards a neighbor or member of your local community,

4) Reflect about your gratitude for a work colleague.

Consider that we are not just grateful for perfection and desired qualities in others. Expressing gratitude can be especially powerful if we have “issues” with others that sometimes lead us to miss their strengths. Try setting an intention to recognize the personal growth opportunity that certain interactions with others present.

I am grateful for the opportunity to share this reflection!

Dr. Charlene Myklebust, Psy.D.