Stepping Stones

By Ellen Brown

Do you want to feel happier and less stressed? If so, ask yourself this: how grateful am I for everyone and everything in my life? Having an attitude of gratitude can mean the difference between feeling happy or bitter, hopeful or morose. And it can mean the difference between attracting positive people into your life or those who are forever focused on life’s little barnacles. I’ve noticed this phenomenon both in my own life and in the lives of the clients I coach.

If you often wish that your life were different or frequently feel anger, sadness or self-pity welling up inside you, don’t pretend that those feelings don’t exist. Allow yourself to feel your feelings fully, because it’s important to acknowledge what’s true for you. Then, when you’re ready to release those negative feelings, so you can shift into a more positive place, consider trying one or all of these ideas:

• Make a list of the 5 best things that happened to you today.
• Write down the names of 3 people in your life for whom you are grateful and list the reasons why for each person.
• If you are dealing with a difficult situation right now, consider what you’re learning from the situation. For example, if you are navigating a painful break-up with a partner, ask yourself what am I learning that I can take into my next relationship?
• Create a “gratitude board” that shows all the aspects of your life for which you’re grateful.  Cut out some pictures from magazines to represent the things you’re grateful for, or better yet use pictures of people and places from your own life. You can make it as simple or elaborate as you’d like, pasting the images onto a poster board and creating a collage that you find satisfying. When you’re finished, hang your gratitude board in a place where you will notice it everyday. Make a point of looking at it daily, giving thanks for all of the people and places in your life.
• Set aside some time to write in your journal, and write about a time in your life that was particularly difficult, but that you have since transcended. Maybe you lost your job or were dealing with some prickly issues with your children. Whatever the circumstances, write about that period in your life, remembering it in as much detail as possible. Then write about how you were able to navigate your way through that time and what you learned as a result of the situation.

Notice if you feel any lighter after trying these strategies designed to infuse your life with more gratitude.

How has gratitude helped you in your life?

What holds you back from feeling more appreciative?

I’d love to hear what you have to say. Join in the conversation by leaving a message, here, on Stepping Stones.

Would you like to lead a happier, healthier life? If so, I’d love to help out! Visit my website at http://www.wellnessjourneys.com to sign up for a coaching package that’s right for you, or to schedule a complimentary session. Since coaching sessions are conducted by phone, I can work with clients anywhere in the world!

To learn more about living a fulfilling life, sign up for my e-newsletter, here, on Stepping Stones, at the top of the page.

Wellness Journeys: A Holistic Approach to Coaching

Ellen Brown is a certified life coach, based in Cleveland, Ohio.