Small thank yous pay big dividends

Happiness is rooted in your attitude to life and being grateful for the small things will enhance your spiritual wellbeing. Here’s how to develop an attitude of gratitude.

In a world where more is more, we often overlook the blessings in our lives. By focusing on the positive, you can develop an attitude of gratitude. Emma Tyrrell, an executive and life coach, points out that gratitude promotes feelings of happiness and hope. She suggests you start developing an attitude of gratitude by using your senses to appreciate the small things in life. In this way being grateful will become almost as natural as breathing. Here are her tips:

SIGHT Look around you, and focus on what you see. Is there something beautiful or inspiring in your immediate surroundings? What does this vision provide you with?  It may give you a sense of abundance, freedom, love, or something equally worthy of gratitude. Say thank you. 

HEARING Really listen to others and hear what they are saying. Your spouse, child, colleague, or mother-in-law all have wisdom to share. The ideas others share with you everyday can become tools for improving your own life. Be thankful for the opportunity.

TASTE Spend two minutes consciously eating something slowly. Close your eyes and only focus on the sensation of the food in your mouth; its taste and texture. Think about what this food provides for you, your loved ones and the earth. Be grateful. 

TOUCH Hug someone! Think about who could really do with a hug today. Get in touch with your innate “humaneness” and those who you connect with during the day. Enjoy the feeling of your clothes against your skin or soak in a luxurious bath. Be thankful for the time.

SMELL Flowers, bread, vanilla, fresh air, clean clothes, a baby.  What can you smell today, that brings a smile to your face? What memories are awakened by something you smell during the day? Fill your lungs through a few deep breaths every morning and allow the fragrances to lift your mood. Thank the world.

Tyrrell also suggests recording your experiences in a gratitude journal. In the evening write down the five things you are grateful for about your day. Studies reveal that this can promote feelings of relaxation and happiness. In the August issue of Destiny, Styling Concepts owner Lorraine Maisel gave her tips for positive thinking. She suggests that those seeking inner peace should, “Always say ‘thank you’, mean it and believe it – and realise how much you have by looking at all the positive sides of yourself and others.”
While chasing dreams and goals is an essential part of the human condition, you need to also focus on the “now”. Don’t delay your happiness, be grateful for the blessings in your life at this present moment.

“Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude.” Denis Waitley.