You want to form the habit of practicing gratitude, but you overslept, the kids want your attention, and you’re feeling like you have 500 things to do on your to-do list. When and how do you even begin? Right now. Here’s how to practice gratitude when your hands (and mind) feel full. No fancy journal needed.
Before we get into these easy strategies, I hope you have a better understanding of gratitude. Through this series, we’ve talked about the power and benefits of Gratitude and the definition of toxic positivity and how to avoid that mindset.
Now you can truly cultivate a grateful heart.
Expressing Gratitude
There are so many great ideas out there to help prompt gratitude– journals, jars, smart phone apps, etc.
These are wonderful, especially if you want to keep record of the things you’re grateful for.
But what about when you can’t write it down?
I’m a big paper and pen person but sometimes writing is nearly impossible.
I’m laughing now thinking of trying to send a text the other day, holding my phone up and sideways as my daughter was trying to tap and scroll along with me. Can you relate?
Anyways, don’t limit yourself to writing gratitude. Let’s live it.
Here’s 3 easy strategies you can do each day.
Bonus, your kids will observe and can follow along with you.
3 ways for a busy mom to practice gratitude
1. Find the good in the ordinary
This is so important when you start practicing gratitude.
It can be hard to see beyond the clutter, endless laundry and screaming kids.
Your mind wants to trick you in these moments with negative thoughts.
Do you ever notice how the piles of laundry seem taller and the yelling pierces louder?
You might even be overcome with feelings convincing yourself that you’re doing it all wrong.
But don’t listen. Look for good in the ordinary by:
- acknowledging what you’re feeling (this actually helps create a space for being grateful)
- Take a deep breath
- Find what is going right in that moment (it’s there, I promise)
For instance, say “I’m feeling overwhelmed by all the fighting. It feels like I’m not parenting right. Even though it’s hard, I’m grateful my child has a sibling. They are learning. And I know I have the wisdom to teach. I’m grateful for this role. I’m grateful I get to stay home to lead by example.”
2. Be Grateful in the Car
Car rides can illicit conversation, observations and memories. This is one of my favorite times with the kids. And getting out of the walls of our home transforms my thinking from “crumbs on my floor” to “world so beautiful.” We do so by:
- Listening to Music— one of our favorite songs right now is “thank you Lord” (Chris Tomlin) and “God, Turn it Around” (John Reddick). But songs in general create a powerful moment. I’ll glance in the rearview mirror just to see my son bobbing his head around and quietly singing as he looks out the window. What a gracious moment for him. But also, one that I can stop and feel grateful for as well.
- Pointing out Beauty— Countless days this fall season, I found myself marveling at the gorgeous colors while enroute to school. This was such a great opportunity to express gratitude. We’d talk about how God created this world and things in it so we can appreciate them. Even rainy days in the car are beautiful!
- Making observations— My kids will often yell out “whoa mom, did you see that trash truck?!” What a prime time to talk about it, feel their excitement and express gratitude. Ex: “Yes, I did! How cool was that? And what a neat job that guy has driving that big truck and helping clean up the trash. We appreciate him so much!”
- Savoring unplanned stops– Alright so this one is a work in progress in my book but something I’m trying to be better at. If we get stuck by a train, long traffic light or in a school zone, rather than defaulting to frustration and feeling rushed, use it as a time to practice gratitude. You can say “We are in a hurry but I’m thankful we have this extra time to stop, breathe and look at those clouds before we have to go.”
3. Thank someone else
I’ve found that one of the easiest ways to be thankful is to thank someone else. Every day we experience a million different encounters. These are opportunities to be grateful and make thank you more than just a kind word.
This includes thanking your kids, spouse, neighbor, bank attendant and stranger holding door.
Show gratitude by saying “thank you for taking the time to hold the door. It makes this so much easier for my kids and I.”
Expressing gratitude not only helps people feel appreciated but then they also hear how it sounds.
And it’s contagious.
You can inspire gratitude while practicing your own healthier habit.
So don’t forget to thank your kids for taking the dishes to the sink, getting shoes on without a stink and giving you that big morning hug.
Being a grateful Mom
Using these three easy solutions day in and out will have you practicing gratitude in no time.
There’s no rules on what and how to be grateful, just start doing it.
If you’re struggling, ask God to show you some of your blessings. Ask him to help you throughout the day. Pray about it.
But choose to be a grateful mom. Experience the health benefits. Push back against toxic mindset and draw in closer to your faith.
Not only will you live a happier, healthier life but you’re setting a powerful example for your children and future generations.
All because of these two words–Thank you.
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