When you are grateful, fear disappears. As we explore the power of love, health and well-being this month, we turn our focus to gratitude: a driving force in healing not only our minds but our bodies.
It may feel at times that the world around us is incredibly negative. It can be hard to remind ourselves of the positives in our lives when we are met daily with sensationalised news, exhaustion and trying to keep up with the rat race. Often, a day goes by when we haven’t had a second to breathe let alone think about all the things we love. So many times, we only focus on the negatives in our life that when something does go wrong for us, we have a “I told you so” moment. Negativity is a form of self-preservation, a protection to prepare for the worst, but it also causes untold damage.
Taking things for granted is a lesser way to live. So, let’s hit that restart button. Realistically, you won’t hit it just once, but time and time again. Gratitude is a habit and one of the single most important tools for a life well lived.
Make space in your day, every day, to count three things you are grateful for. Choose a time that suits you – perhaps when you are lying in bed at night or waking up ready for the day ahead. The shower is a perfect time too. Whenever you decide is best for you, make a pledge to stick to a routine: three things a day, every day.
We asked some friends of Dickson Lewis what they were grateful for today. Some were grateful for having their own quiet space to work. Some were grateful for their partner and having nice things planned. Some loved their new bath and the (slightly) lighter nights. Some were grateful that their cat had shown them a bit of affection. By chatting through the things we loved, the mood became instantly light and bright.
When we practice gratitude, we see the future with more optimism, a sense of possibility and openness. We have an opportunity to live every day anew and make moments count. By practising a healthier mindset, darker moments of life become easier. It doesn’t mean you are wearing rose-coloured glasses, but that you’re coming from a more grounded, thoughtful place, rather than one of fear or reactivity.
Fear has a huge impact on our state. It can impact our communication, relationships, and important decisions. Did you know that a Harvard study showed that just 5 minutes of anger, could result in your immune system being suppressed for up for 6 hours after? Negative thoughts can physically destroy us. So, whilst practising a little amount of gratitude every day will not transform your life overnight, remember, it is the antidote to fear. Little and often is all that’s required. Gratitude is our superpower.
Exercise: What 3 things are you grateful for today? Take a moment to reflect on the importance of these things in your life, however small. The world can look and feel different with the lens of gratitude.