We’re entering the time of year when most Americans begin to think about doing a short gratitude practice. That’s great. I’m so happy when gratitude becomes top of mind because gratitude changes everything.
I often have clients who are in the depths of depression use this daily gratitude practice. I’ve seen it change their outlooks on life in just a few days. With longer daily practice, it has transformed their lives for the better and helped them begin planning for the future, set realistic, actionable goals and have a positive view of their lives and where they are going.
Practicing gratitude changed my life
There was a time in my own life before I became a mental health professional when I was facing the same dilemma. I found myself totally alone and divorced with nothing. I went from being a locally successful print journalist, wife and stepmother to being unemployed, living with family members and divorced. I had a hard time even just waking up every day and functioning. It occurred to me one day that I needed to be grateful for what I had. Although, that felt like nothing, I started by being grateful that I woke up that day and could breathe on my own. Then, I began to think of other things to be grateful for.
Many years later, I was in a similar situation and realized that I needed a more structured way to practice gratitude to get myself out of my funk. That is when The Princess Guide to Gratitude featuring the 45-day guided gratitude journal was born.
I realized at that time in my life that the scripture in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus,” (Amplified Bible) was true. All the difficult and heartbreaking moments in my life were actually things to be grateful for and not mourn over because they taught me valuable lessons and actually saved me from a life of misery.
At the same time, being grateful for these endings and disappointments prepared me for the greatest blessings of my lifetime. I also believe that practicing gratitude for even the bad stuff has made me a better, more optimistic, caring person. It has changed my perspective on life, and I no longer see Ls as losses but now I view them as lessons that help me grow and refine what I want in life and how I want to show up for the people I encounter. Practicing what is in this book set me up to experience the wonderful life and marriage I currently have.
A year or so later, I realized that some people don’t like to read. So, I created The Princess Guide to Change Your Life in 14 Days audiobook. It is based on a series of YouTube videos I created to help walk people through the gratitude journey.
In this post, we’ll explore the first week of practicing gratitude to get you ready for Thanksgiving month. If you’d like to go deeper, you can get an instant download copy of the eBook to continue your practice right away, or you can order an autographed print book copy. I am also available to work with you personally, if you would like me to coach you for the full, supercharged experience.
I’ve had clients use the daily gratitude journal by thenselves. I’ve also had some share the practice with a group of friends. They would meet daily by video call and share their answers to each question and talk about their own experiences. Either way has proven beneficial and life changing for people who have used it and reported back to me.
I am loving my gratitude book!!! It’s an absolute must read!! Thank you!
K.B., Arizona
We’re going to start small and work our way up to bigger things here. So, this first week may seem like a no-brainer. Starting with the basics will give you a firm foundation on which to build your gratitude practice.
The following are excerpts from “The Princess Guide to Gratitude.”
Day I
Living in continual gratitude isn’t a natural state of being for some people. Like anything you exercise, it will become natural with repetitive practice. “Force gratitude until it becomes habitual,” wrote Melody Beattie in her book The Language of Letting Go. “Gratitude helps us stop trying to control outcomes. It is the key that unlocks positive energy in our life. It is the alchemy [transformation] that turns problems into blessings and the unexpected into gifts.”
Today’s affirmation: The world may not be a safe and comfortable place, but I am resilient, and I can overcome all obstacles. All is well.
The highlight of my day was:
Today, I am grateful for having a roof over my head.
List two other things you’re grateful for.
Day 2
I’m truly grateful for the little things. They give me hope that bigger and better things are coming soon. I’m also convinced that talking to your body works … even if it takes a while for it to manifest.
Today’s affirmation: I am easily satisfied and crave healthy foods that fuel and nourish my body.
The highlight of my day was:
Today, I am grateful for having food I like to eat.
List two other things you’re grateful for.
Day 3
Sound is one of the fastest waves known to mankind. I believe that what we speak is vitally important because we can manifest great things, or we can create things that may not serve us well. We, however, have the choice and the power to bring these things into our reality. Simply speaking our positive thoughts and intentions can be powerful because it puts them into the atmosphere where they can become real and tangible.
Today’s affirmation: Every day that I live and breathe, I have the opportunity to change and improve my life.
The highlight of my day was:
Today, I am grateful for being able to breathe on my own.
List two other things you’re grateful for.
Senée Seale Luchsinger is a book author, mental health professional and life guide passionate about helping people transform their lives and relationships. If you’d like to book a personal session with Senée, she’s accepting new clients.
If you’d like a tool to help you transform your thinking and life quickly, download The Princess Guide to Gratitude Affirmations for free.
Do you have a question about life that you want Senée to answer? Leave it in a comment here, on one of her social media channels or email it to PrincessGuide@BecomingPublishing.com.
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