November likely has all of us “giving thanks” as we prepare our festive tables. While it sounds nice and comes out easily this time of year, gratitude is more than just a saying.
And as moms, practicing gratitude is crucial no matter the season.
Gratitude is one habit that will help you live your best life.
A bit cliché, but it’s true.
As we talk easy solutions, I want to lay the foundation on one of the most important parts of wellness–
creating a grateful heart.
While the habit itself may take a bit of work to cultivate, the outcomes are worth it.
And I’m making it easy for you!
I’ve created a fun, mini series over the next couple weeks that will empower you to adopt this healthier habit into your daily life.
My goal is to show that practicing gratitude has the power to:
- Improve your health (mind, body and soul)
- Push back against culture’s toxic mindset, drawing you closer to faith and who you are in motherhood
- Fit into the life of even the busiest mom
If you’d love to receive the series in your inbox, sign up here.
We’ll start today by defining what gratitude is and the power it has on your body.
Motherhood and Gratitude
No one warns you about the emotions that surface during motherhood. I saw a quote the other day that read parenting is “5o% feeling like your head might explode and 50% feeling like your heart might.”
So very true.
I’d actually argue those percentages change based on the day or how many times they’ve flooded the bathroom or climbed out of the crib… 😉
When you’re stuck in that moment of overwhelm, stress, frustration and self doubt, “grateful” may not exactly be the praise you’re singing.
Totally normal, mama. But this is when gratitude is needed the most.
Did you know that practicing gratitude is the key to overcoming negative feelings AND creating a happier, healthier life?
Gratitude actually activates and rewires part of the brain to produce beneficial outcomes.
Therefore, as you teach yourself to have a grateful heart, you actually improve the health of your mind, body and soul
Let’s start out by understanding what gratitude is. Or actually, let’s flip the script.
Understanding what gratitude is not is paramount to this healthier habit.
Gratitude is not Good Vibes Only
Take note. Gratitude is not:
- rejecting the bad
- denial of current circumstances
- “Good vibes only”
I want to put that out there because there is a fine line between gratitude and the trendy proclamations of self love and toxic positivity.
One practice is healthful. The other? Not so much.
Confusing them can lead to a harmful, toxic road (maybe I’m speaking from experience). More to come on that.
And let out a big sigh of relief–Gratitude actually gives you the freedom to acknowledge the hardships (because they do and should exist).
Gratitude is a habit
By definition, gratitude is defined as the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
Perhaps you felt that today. For instance, the grocery clerk held the door for you or a friend bought you a gourmet coffee. (I sure felt grateful today when my kids actually listened and completed a task the first time. Boy, did I say THANK YOU)!
So yes, tangible things do elicit gratitude. But the practice stretches far beyond that happy, positive feeling.
Gratitude is:
- acknowledging both the good and bad while still feeling thankful
- a choice of intentionally looking outward and connecting with God
- a mindset/perspective
Gratitude is formed by habit. A habit of understanding that all that we have and what we are given are not because of us but because of the one who gives.
I will even take it it one step further and say gratitude is a responsibility, especially in our calling of motherhood.
The bible reminds us over and over about the power of gratitude. And as we align ourselves in our purpose to raise Christ loving kids, we have a responsibility to honor and remain obedient.
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Jesus Christ
1 Thessalonians 5: 18
A simple example: Waking up today feeling completely overwhelmed but still thanking God that you got the opportunity to open your eyes and be the mother to your child.
Being Grateful impacts heart, mind body and soul
Gratitude lays the foundation to our health and wellness. When we talk creating balance, this is where it starts. I mentioned earlier how it changes the chemistry in our brain.
As a result, look at these impressive benefits:
- Less stress
- Improved sleep
- Better physical health
- Improved immune system
- Increased happiness and improved mood
- Greater resiliency and less likely to experience burnout
- Strengthens relationships and increases job satisfaction
Goodness!! So many of our daily battles are minimized in the name of Gratitude!
What are we waiting for? Let’s get practicing!
How do I practice being grateful?
Be intentional. Right now. In the midst of the spilled juice and screaming toddler.
Stop and look for what is going right. Start by saying thank you for that.
Have patience. Like any quick workout or scheduling household chores, it takes practice. You can normalize the habit by talking about being thankful with the kids throughout the day.
Then do it again tomorrow, and the day after that. Continue beyond the holidays and commit to making this a daily habit.
I’ll be sharing some easy strategies for practicing gratitude in a future post.
In the meantime, follow me on Instagram.
I’m posting one thing I’m grateful for each day in my stories. You can do the same! And with 20 days still left in November, you’ll have a new habit formed before we hit December!
I hope you found this helpful. THANK YOU for being here!
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