Gratitude and A Positive Mindset

 

Benefits of Practising Gratitude

Practising gratitude is well known for developing a positive mindset. Our positive reflections force us to notice things that may otherwise go unnoticed. We become more appreciative of those little things that make up our day. 

This brings more happiness to our everyday lives as we do not focus on one bad thing that may be ruminating in our minds.

And what does everyone on this planet want? Happiness, of course! 

Negative people attract negative people and negative interactions whereas positivity attracts positive relationships. Relationships are often a source of frustration so gratitude journaling can help you attract more positivity into your relationships. 

 

It helps us enjoy our lives as we see a balance in our lives, rather than overwhelming gloom and doom. We become more appreciative.

Gratitude is easy to do - just requires us to reflect on our day. But it is a powerful tool for changing our mindset. 

Why I chose to practise gratitude

After some very sad occurrences in my life, I sank into a deep depression. This was very unlike me and it was scary.

I refused medication but had to find my own way out of depression. So I came upon the habit of gratitude while blogging online. 

It was a turning point for me in relationships and work. I was working on a casual basis at schools, at this time but I could choose to work every day with multiple offers. Other staff remarked that I always seemed happy and had a smile for them. I enjoyed my time in classes with children and gratefully helped out when I could.

Each day, I reflected on my day and it made me happy as I reflected on my accomplishments that day.

I became happier when I focused on each day's positives and started reaping the rewards in my new work situation. I became in high demand in my profession and had many offers of work and was given an ongoing position at age 67(which was unheard of).

 To this day, I am grateful and still reaping more benefits borne of practising gratitude.

Gratitude Journaling

A gratitude journal helps you keep track of the positives that happened throughout your day and the most effective way is to journal daily.

They say it takes a month to develop a new habit so you can challenge yourself to a 30-day gratitude challenge here.

Gratitude journaling becomes a beautiful keepsake for you and the coming generations as you can reread your experiences and thoughts throughout the year.

Your children and grandchildren can read and find out what sort of person you were through your journaling. 

I am a teacher and I did the Gratitude Jar with one particular student and we reread it to see what had happened in the past days. You will be surprised at how many little things you forget and it really does become a nice memory.

The Gratitude Jar is a nice idea to use with children who write the day's reflection on a strip of paper, fold it and put it in the jar. They can pull out strips when they want to read their reflections.  

Children do get excited about this activity and love rereading their past refelctions. 

For this reason, I prefer journals to apps as who knows what will happen in the future with apps?

Gratitude Journals  you may like

You can use a gratitude journal daily guide to cultivating a life of gratitude and abundance.

“As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.”

This is an example page of the full page inspirational quotes in Gratitude: Changing My Mindset

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Gratitude: Changing My Mindset Paperback 

This beautiful big book (8.5 x 11) contains all the important elemnts for your reflections of the day, helping with your mindset and road to happiness. It also has colourful, supporting gratitude quotes. Read more here.

A couple of examples of inner pages if this gratitude journal:

Gratitude Journal for Women & Men: 5 Minute Journal, Daily Manifestation Mindfulness Journal With Positive & Grateful Prompts For More Happiness, Positivity, Affirmation and Self Care

Self-Care Journal: 366 Prompts to Help Nurture & Recharge Your Body & Soul (Volume 9) (Gilded, Guided Journals) Hardcover

Gratitude Finder® 52 Week Non-Dated Journal for Women, Teens & Girls with 165 Hand-Illustrated Stickers

Every Day Spirit Gratitude Journal Paperback

 

Guided Self-Care Journal with Prompts to Boost Mindfulness, Gratitude & Positivity | Inspirational Gifts for Women | Self Love, Wellness, Motivational Birthday Gift for Her | Find Your Own Magic Diary

Gratitude Journal for Kids

By teaching the habit of journaling, we are teaching our children resilience, coping skills for anxiety and stress, kindness, gratitude and happiness.

The journals are fun-based and interactive. 

It also builds relationships between you and your children as you share the reflections and activities.

Fun Gratitude Journal for Kids: A New Unique Journal to Teach Children Ages 6 to 12 About Gratitude and Mindfulness in a Simple, Fun & Creative Way | ... for Kids Ages 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 Paperback 

Gratitude Journal for Kids: Fun & Interactive mindfulness diary for kids & tweens | Ages 7-11, 8-12 Paperback

ECOFANO Unicorn Diary with Lock for Girls-Lock Diary Journal for Girls, Kids Diary Journal Notebook with Lock,Unicorn Pen ,Stickers,Girls Bracelet, Girls Diary Gifts for 7 8 9 10 12 Year Old Girls

 

Big Life Journal - Teen Edition: A Growth Mindset Journal – Interactive Journal for Teens with Writing Prompts – Journal for Teens & Tweens – Inspirational Goal Planner Guided Journal

5 Minute Girls Gratitude Journal: 100-Day Gratitude Journal for Girls with Daily Journal Prompts, Fun Challenges, and Inspirational Quotes 

I hope you have enjoyed this post. If you are interested in further reading, I have a post on Self-Care you might enjoy. You can read it here 

For more information about gratitude, you can read How Can Practising Gratitude Help You? 

 Wishing you a blissful day. 

Cheap Self Care Gifts That Fit Your Budget

Can I afford to pamper myself with self-care products?

Sometimes we put ourselves last as we may think it is selfish to prioritize ourselves on a regular basis.

However, there are many different forms of self-care and it can be just as effective to buy or do something that is inexpensive. 

I used to worry about my finances, after a divorce late in life, and just work, work, work. It's like a treadmill that goes forever. 

One day, I read an article that focused on rewarding yourself each week in some way-and it need not be expensive. So each week, I take myself out of my routine (into a new one) and do something that is different and that I enjoy.

I buy something that appeals to me from Amazon, or paint and draw, or go for a coffee at a cafe! I have bought some of the products listed below and I was so happy when I opened the boxes and saw the great products I had purchased. 

So pamper yourself, relieve some stress, and put a smile on your face. You deserve it.

What self-care products would relax you and bring some happiness to you?

If you're wanting to practise of bit of self-care, and pamper yourself with a lovely treat that puts a smile on your face, I've made a list of lovely products for you.  I had fun going through products on Amazon that I thought would relax you, in different ways.  I hope you enjoy this post.

 “As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.”                                        

Self Care Journal: 366 Prompts to Help Nurture & Recharge Your Body and Soul.

This is a beautiful hardcover book that comes with gilding for that touch of elegance. I was pleasantly surprised with the gilding on the cover and the gilding on the edges of each page.

I have this journal and it is a delightful keepsake and good for your soul. It has insightful quotes and activities to act upon, as well as space to journal your thoughts.

You can read more about this self-care journal here.

LKUA Shell Pearl Beach Themed Night Light, RGB 8 Colours Changing Mood Shell pearl Lamps

Their ambient glow is great for relaxing or meditating.  It's so relaxing, waiting for the colors to change. You can read more about the color changing pearl mood lamps here.

I'm Allergic to Stupidity, I Break Out in Sarcasm: A Snarky Coloring Book for Adults: 51 Funny & Sarcastic Colouring Pages for Stress Relief & Relaxation

Relax, colour, and laugh with this adult colouring book. 

R

50 Shades of Bullshit: Swear Word Coloring Book

Lol! What can I say? The name says it all. If you're frustrated and want to lighten the mood, take it out on this book.

Great for those who have a wicked sense of humour.  Have a giggle instead of growling and swearing. Let the book do the swearing for you.

This book will fly in sales so get it while you can.

Gratitude Bundle

Get started on developing the habit of gratitude and becoming a happier person. Attract more people into your life.

In this Gratitude Journal, you have: 

. a delightful cover for your journal

. 33 pages, which you can print and reprint once you receive the journal. 

The reflection pages focus on the 3 most important questions you should reflect on daily to change your mindset.

• a Grateful bonus of 3 free posters will appear as your Thank you Page, upon your purchase of the Gratitude Journal.

52 Lists of Happiness

This book is the most beautiful book design, both inside and out. I bought this for my daughter and I need to buy another as it is not easy to pass on to someone else!

It is a guided self-love journal, full of inspiration for joy and positivity.

The pictures and photography are high quality and it's a lovely book to cuddle up with.

You can find out more about 52 Lists of Happiness here.

Hello Sunshine Aromatherapy Spray

Treat yourself to the wonderful scents of rose, bergamot, and lemon to relax and uplift your spirit .

Make it part of your mindfulness practice or give it as a gift.

Rose and bergamot are mre my favourite scents and so relaxing while lemon is an all-time favourite for its uplifting effects and great to spray before a party.

Find out more about this product here. 

Gratitude: Changing My Mindset

Take some time to fill out this Gratitude Journal and create beautiful memories to look back on.

It is a large book, with fine quality paper and high-resolution colourful pages with gratitude quotes scattered throughout.

A beautiful keepsake! I have purchased this book for friends and family.

You can see its details here. 

Forgiveness Quote

Forgivenss is a part of self-care but that does not mean that you have to be friends again. This quote reminds us of the importance of forgiveness to our self-care and the essence of forgiveness. 

It's okay to put ourselves first after someone has disappointed you.

This quote comes as an A4 downloadable print. 

You can see its details here.

5 Amazing Mindset Quotes 

Remind yourself how wonderful you are and that you can achieve what you set out to do. 

They come as an A4 downloadable print and can be framed or used as journal inserts. 

I have printed them on photo paper and used them as a framed picture and they are stunning. 

Check out this great bundle here. 

Resilience Poster

This resilience poster reminds us that we need to stop at times, to take care of ourselves, before we move forward again with out goals.

I has a soft, feminine background. When printed, the words are highly visible.

It comes as an A4 downloadable print and it can be framed, used as a poster, or as a journal insert. 

You can see its details here.

Which one is your favourite ?

I know my next purchase is definitely  Hello Sunshine. I just love the essential oils that are in it. 

I used to work a long way from home and, after a long trip home, I would use bergamot and rose oil to relax after dinner. Personally, I adore this combination. I also use lemon frequently as it is uplifing and  a great idea is to spray it before you have a party. 

I make sure I treat myself with something small (it does not have to be expensive to make you happy) and it is my present to myself for working hard throughout the week. 

Need a thoughtful present for someone?

If you love Gratitude related products. you can visit my shop The Grateful Heart for wallart. t-shirts, mugs, and pillow slips.

Free Gratitude Quotes

 

Free Gratitude Quotes to you

If you like these quotes and designs, you can download them for free here.

The Buy button will take you to the free downloads.

Just buy some good quality print paper, frame it, and you have a set of 3 gratitude quotes to decorate your wall.

Or use them in your journal folder! 

Gratitude Quote 1: Begin each day with a grateful heart.

Gratitude Quote 2: Finding gratitude changes your mindset and leads to happiness.

 

Gratitude Quote 3: Gratitude changes everything.

How does practising gratitude help you?

The benefits of practising gratitude

I decided to practice gratitude after reading the benefits of practising it and making it a part of your everyday life. 

I had just been recovering from a serious bout of depression, that took me to very low levels of thinking.  I had not suffered depression before and people had usually commented on how I smiled a lot. 

But things changed drastically for me and I did not realise I was going into a downward spin until it was too late. 

 I also had a big void in my life and life does not like a vacuum! It seeks to fill it and not always with great things. 

I did not take control and things just got worse and worse. I felt alone, with no one to turn to. I also did not like to let others into my very private thoughts, so others misread me and judged what they saw on the surface. 

They were seeing the symptoms, and not the terrible feeling of desperation and not having anywhere to turn to when I needed help. 

There was always judgment and that's not helpful when you're on a downhill slide. 

Resilience and Gratitude

As I was growing up, I had developed resilience and I reminded myself that I had to believe there was a light at the end of the tunnel.  I kept saying that but I really did not believe it. 

Although I am not saying that you should not take medication for depression, it was not for me. 

I met someone who helped me enormously by supporting me in a very troubled time. He saw things that others did not see so it was easier for him not to judge me.

He knew I was making bad decisions but he also saw through lies leveled at me and my complete burnout. I had no mental strength left. 

I could not say 'no' and life was very demanding for me, as well working a very demanding job entailing 3 hours travel a day. 

He saw why I was struggling and the candle was burning at both ends, and ready to snuff out! 

My Plan to Improve my Mental Wellness with Gratitude

I had learnt with my last job that you need to fill the vacuum in your life.

I started a new job and found that I liked what I was doing. After the demands of the last job, it was a very pleasant change.

So keeping busy with a job I liked was my first step towards better health.

As it was a casual job with an agency, I still had panic attacks on my days off but I then thrust myself into learning to blog, on my days off. 

So keeping busy helped me as I did not have time for negative thoughts. 

My introduction to gratitude. 

While blogging, I came across articles on Gratitude.  They really resonated with me!

After a late divorce, and my totally giving up on ever making up the money and house I lost after 28 years of marriage, I knew I had to work hard and gain a reputable name with the agency and schools so I could get a fair amount of work throughout the year. 

I started to actively practice gratitude until it became a habit.  I read articles and sat down at the end of each workday and thought about what were the positive experiences I had that day. 

 I wrote them down so they became more concrete. 

When working with a troubled student, we made a Gratitude Jar so that we could pull a gratitude strip out, at random, and reflect on what had happened on any particular day.  

It's so easy to focus on the one bad thing that may have happened and let it sum up your whole day.

I was happy and smiling again. I became an Ambassador for my agency and was being requested by schools to be their first call when teachers were absent. 

I loved working with the kids and did not get involved in work politics. I treated my support workers well and knew how to handle difficult children, with my background in special ed. and autism. 

I did things cheerfully! 

Yes, finding the little things to be grateful for each day instead of focusing on the negative had a positive effect on my life. 

I have been the only casual teacher employed throughout the pandemic on an ongoing basis, and the school has employed me in another capacity when I finished the first placement.  

How practising gratitude can help you?

Speaking in general terms, practicing gratitude will:

make you a happier person

have a more positive outlook

improve your relationships 

attract success and abundance with the Law of Attraction

A Gratitude Toolkit is an easy way to help you develop the habit of gratitude. It takes 30 days of practice to change the habits of mind.

How Gratitude underlies the Law of Attraction:

When you send out good positive vibes, you attract others effortlessly.

Your thoughts determine your experiences so positive thoughts will attract positive experiences in a person's life and vice versa. 

Another fundamental belief in the Law of Attraction:

What you give out, you receive. 

I started to sponsor individuals and families in third-world countries.  I cannot even measure the happiness that my friends from African countries have given me. 

I have a new family and circle of friends that love me very much. 

I have sponsored starving widows and their children through the local church during the pandemic. There is a lot of poverty and I'm humbled by their gratitude.

Unfortunately, many African leaders do not pass all the community aid to their communities so I have been able to establish trusting relationships to help them.

 

A small amount of money goes a long way in third-world countries. 

 

 My African friends always show gratitude and humility while living a simple life.

My greatest desire is to meet them and also to seek further ways of helping them.

It is now my primary concern, overriding my work goals. 

So, following the Law of Attraction, the mind can translate our thoughts and materialize them into our reality. 

So the Law of Attraction does give you the freedom to change and free yourself from self-doubt and worry. 

I'm fighting the demons that I picked up after going broke after my divorce and become more proactive and positive in my life's decisions and who I want in my life. 

I've learnt that doing the same thing over and over again, will only get the same results-so make sure you're making choices that get you to your vision of where you want to be. 

Our choices and actions will create our intended life, in line with our vision of where we want to be.

It's important to visualise what you want and then make the needed effort to get it. 

The Law of Attraction can further help you as it can: 

improve your money situation

increase your self-confidence

combat anxiety

get fit, lose weight

So you have nothing to lose but everything to gain by practising gratitude and understanding the Law of Attraction.

I have made a Gratitude Bundle to start your journey to a better life, with more confidence and happiness. 

Please feel free to share your journey below too! 

Life is not smooth sailing and sometimes it's community that gets us through- our tribe.