The art of gratitude

“The essence of all beautiful art, all great art, is gratitude. ” ― Friedrich Nietzsche

The moment you start to find gratitude for even just the smallest things, like hugs from loved ones and smiles from strangers, is the moment your life becomes art.

As holiday season starts to approach it becomes the time I like to take a step back, reflect, evaluate and more than ever, show gratitude for all the things that exist in my life. I have this theory about gratitude you see, from personal experience that people who can find gratitude for the tiny detail in their life, are happier than those who can’t. We have one life and it is our duty to live it in a way that makes us happy everyday and find reasons to be thankful everyday. So if you’re a gratitude newbie, or just need a kick in getting back in the swing of a gratitude filled life here are my top 4 tips.

Be Thankful EVERYDAY!

No day is promised to us, so each morning when we wake up, we need to be grateful that we get another day to live. Another chance to have a good day as some will not get this blessing tomorrow morning, so start with a little thanks that you’re still around and own your day! Remember it’s always a good day to have a good day!

Keep A Gratitude Log

I started keeping one of these after reading a very famous book called ‘The Secret’ and the one I have says to write every night, 10 things you’re grateful for now and 10 things you’re grateful for in advance. I recently went back through my journal and found that all the things I was grateful for in advance, have been things I’ve achieved, goal setting at its finest. A gratitude log is also a great way to help you unwind before bed, because your unwinding on positive feelings rather than negative ones. No stress.

Give Back

There are many ways to give back, I like to get involved in many charity events for a charity called Red Aid in which supports people with disabilities in Rochdale, they work very closely with the school my mother works at, and having a sister with downs-syndrome it is very close to my heart. My goal with TFGR is to find a way where we can all together raise money for charities of our choice by being more active. I have no idea how we will do this so if you have any suggestions, please let me know in the comments below.

Pay It Forward

There is going to be a time in your life when you’re going to need help from someone, so by paying it forward and doing something nice for someone else, you’re putting it out there to the universe that you are worthy of receiving help by giving help. If everyone paid it forward then the world would be a much nicer place. I like to pay it forward by buying sandwiches for homeless people I pass. I’ve never heard of anyone who is homeless by choice, so be kind because the homeless usually have the best stories to tell.

What does this have to do with Fitness & Health?

Health is made up of different aspects, your physical wellbeing, mental wellbeing, social wellbeing and spiritual wellbeing. So by being a happier person you’re looking after your mental wellbeing and when things start going good in your life, it’s going to be easier to achieve goals. So try out the attitude of gratitude and watch your life change for the better. Check in with me on instagram. I’d love to hear what you’re grateful for!