Inspirational and motivational experts encourage us to incorporate a gratitude and appreciation practice into our lives. This helps bring us into a very positive state of awareness and receiving.
As we appreciate the good in our lives and focus on it, the exhilarating positive vibrations that we give off serve to draw more of the same to us! Understanding and using this concept can greatly enhance our life by supercharging our sense of accomplishment and self-worth.
  photo credit: Gabriel Porras |
I believe that one of the most powerful ways to focus on appreciation is at night, at the end of our day. When we are winding down from all the activity of the day and our mind starts to quiet, then we can effectively tune in to our inner thoughts and body rhythms. We can then clearly reflect on what we are grateful for from that particular day.
Here are a few suggestions:
1) Affirmations - Write a few positive gratitude statements about those events and people that inspired you that particular day. These can be very specific or they can be general. You can focus in on people or events, or just pick up on the uplifting emotions of the day. You can even repeat these affirmations in the morning as a continuation of the good-feeling state of mind from the previous night.
2) Journaling – Take a few minutes to write an entry in a journal or notebook. Or just write a “gratitude note.” You don’t need to write an entire volume — just a few clear sentences about those especially fulfilling moments in your day that caught the gratitude feeling in your heart!
3) Gratitude in the Mirror – In his book “The Success Principles” Jack Canfield suggests a uniquely empowering gratitude practice which is done with mirror work. Look at yourself in the mirror and have an upbeat conversation with yourself. Appreciate yourself with a series of statements reflecting on your day and your accomplishments, both small and large.
I use this method and find it powerful. Afterwards, I have a joyful sense of accomplishment. I try to do this right before bed, so it helps get my subconscious mind into a positive and serene place. For example, I might say “Sheryl, I appreciate all you have done today. You wrote two articles today. You posted to your blog. You worked on building your Reiki practice. You set three new goals. You had that extremely healthy salad for lunch. Even though you really didn’t feel like it, you went to work out at the gym and you felt great afterward. You cooked your husband’s favorite meal.” Then — and this is essential — express love for yourself! This may feel and seem odd at first, but if you can get into this, it is a very effective self-empowerment tool.
4) Gratitude Focus at Bedtime – If mirror work does not quite resonate with you, then try a few gratitude moments right before bed, or even in bed, before you drift off to sleep. Take this time to reflect on your day. Choose activities and accomplishments that were meaningful to you.
Appreciate the goodness of your day. Even if you feel it was not the easiest of days, FIND those bright spots and center in on those. Even if you had a demanding day on the job, but you finished a project, or moved along on one, or helped someone else solve a problem or accomplish something, celebrate that. Congratulate yourself on any goals you attained. Replay any special family or friend moments that bring a smile to your heart. As with the Gratitude in the Mirror suggestion, make sure to appreciate yourself too. Thank yourself for just being you and for doing the best that you can with the knowledge and life understanding that you have. Then, let yourself be lulled to sleep in this positive state of mind.
Affirmation, Attitude, Action series to help bring in the daily appreciation:
- Today was filled with inspiring people, joyful experiences and heartwarming memories.
- It is easy for me to recall all the beautiful aspects of my day — and I am grateful.
- In this place of appreciation, I look forward to tomorrow and welcome joyful experiences into my life.
Get your FREE Affirmation, Attitude, Action Guide for Positive Energy Living at http://www.affirmationsforyourlife.com. Includes free colorful, printable Affirmation Cards!
