Last week was very significant for me. I was listed as one of the top 100 most influential coaching leaders in India, at the World HRD Congress, an event organized by Times Ascent. I experienced a range of emotions when I learned the news about ten days before the event. I think my first emotion was disbelief, I quickly moved to euphoria before settling on gratitude!
I extend my deepest gratitude to those who introduced me to coaching, trained me, my mentors at various stages of life, my coach, all the clients who trusted me, and my family and friends who cheer me on, no matter what. I feel blessed to have support from everyone. There have been a lot of hair-raising and nail-biting moments throughout my path as a coach, but there have also been a lot of times when people have been kind, compassionate, and supportive of me. So today, I want to take a moment to talk about gratitude, why it is so important, and how to cultivate it.
Gratitude is a state of mind that invokes acknowledgment and appreciation for the good things in our lives. It is about recognizing the people, experiences, and things that give us joy and contentment, and make us feel valued. It is scientifically proven that gratitude benefits our mental and physical health, improves our mood, reduces stress, and helps us sleep better.
Here are three simple ways to cultivate the practice of gratitude –
Keep a gratitude journal
At the end of each day, take a few minutes to write down three things you are grateful for. It could be as simple as a good cup of coffee, a phone call with a friend, or a beautiful sunset. Reflecting on these moments of gratitude will help you appreciate the little things in life. And looking back on this journal, after a period, will fill you with a deeper gratitude for the continuous flow of things going well in your life.
Express gratitude to others
A heartfelt “thank you” can make somebody’s day and cheer you up too. Did you know that ‘thank you’ becomes more powerful when we add what specifically we are appreciative of? Expressing gratitude also helps build relationships.
Volunteer or give back
Helping others is a great way to cultivate gratitude and gain perspective. Volunteering at a local charity or contributing to a cause you care about can remind you of the blessings in your life and inspire you to be a force for good in the world.
Gratitude is not always easy, especially when we are going through difficult times. However, by intentionally focusing on the good things in our lives, we find the strength to deal with adversity. It is about broadening our perspective and choosing to notice things that are good even when everything is not going as well as we might like.
To conclude, by cultivating the practice of gratitude in our daily lives, we can gain perspective, reduce stress, and appreciate the blessings in our lives. So, take a moment today to reflect on what you are grateful for and embrace the power of gratitude in your own life.