Gratitude is often a difficult concept to understand and put into practice. Remember how your parents used to tell you not to waste food because there were starving kids in the world? That was an elementary attempt at teaching gratitude because the goal was to make you think about how fortunate you were to have food on your plate.

What Is Gratitude?

If you look in the dictionary you’ll find the definition of gratitude is a feeling of thankfulness; basically, being happy with what you have in life. Sit and think about all that you have — your home, family, health, food, car, and faith — and then consider those people who don’t have any of those things. It’s very humbling to realize that there are so many joys we take for granted in our life!

• Share your gratitude with your family every night during a family dinner. Say thanks to the cook, thanks to the cleaner, and thanks for everyone gathered around the table.
• Encourage older kids to really think about the little things that happened during the day to find their gratitude.
• Enjoy the quiet time together and use the sharing opportunity to open discussions about ways your family can work together as a loving team.

Showing Gratitude Without Envy

Both children and adults are guilty of being envious of other people’s possessions or success at one time or another. It’s human nature, especially since we see what others have and desire it for ourselves. If you’re ready to eliminate that jealousy and show genuine gratitude, here are a few reminders for you:

1. Gratitude can be expressed by doing big and small things. You don’t have to make a huge monetary contribution to express your appreciation. Simple things, such as writing a thank you note, are just as effective in showing your gratitude for life.
2. Gratitude must be practised regularly, even during difficult times. By doing something small but meaningful each day to show your gratitude, you’re forming an important habit which will last for your lifetime.
3. Gratitude is not all about money. Making charitable contributions is wonderful but if you don’t have the money to do that, volunteer your time at a soup kitchen, animal shelter, or other charity that touches your heart. Your time is just as valuable as money!

Teaching Kids a Life Lesson

Young children generally have a difficult time thinking of the big world around them. Their worlds are often centred on themselves, their family, school, and activities. They barely have a concept of another town or state, never mind starving kids in a foreign country.

By engaging in activities as a family, you can show your children the struggles other people face and how their own problems or desires fit into the big picture.

Keep Dreaming Big

Gratitude plays an important role in your own personal growth journey but expressing your gratitude doesn’t mean you have to give up on your dreams.

Gratitude helps you see the true joys in everything — big or small. Just remember that every gift in your life should be a pleasant surprise rather than a desperate or jealous desire.

If you’d like a free digital copy of my “Happiness Journal” that I’ve created to help us, as we go through this subject, you can get it from here.

Roy Clayton

Uberhappylife.com