Ways Gratitude Changed My Life And Made Me Happier

       I came to a point in my life where I was not happy and could not figure out why. So,I began using gratitude and a number of positive things happened in my life:

1. Self-Awareness

       Gratitude made me more aware of all that others were doing for me. I began to see not what I lacked, but what I was gaining throughout life. 

2. Shifting from Selfishness to Selflessness

      Selflessness directly correlates with one’s level of happiness. I began to give to others more and more and then received a happy mindset. I even made new, strong friendships that I believe will be long lasting.

3. Sense of Community and Belonging 

      My new sense of community with humans and with nature also brought about a new and improved sense of self. 

4. Creativity 

         My desire to be creative and expressive increased exponentially. The outpouring of artwork and writing was extensive. I felt true healing through my own art and through my own heart!

5. Improved Mood

         Over time, I began to feel uplifted and rejuvenated, like a light had been turned on within me.

6. Emotionally Resilient

     Ultimately, optimism helped me overcome everyday challenges. This mental fortitude may also help one get through trauma.

7. Appreciating the Good along with the Bad

      Moving forward is much easier now. Situations can be negative or positive  – that is all for you to determine. I have now chosen to see the bad as something that could eventually lead me to more good.

8. Eating Healthier

        I also began to put healthy things into my body and, in turn, was able to put forth even more healthy words and attitudes towards things that were going on in my life at the time.

9. Less Screen Time

        Excess screen time detracted from time spent with friends or even getting out of the house and seeing the world.

10. More Time in Nature

      The peace and serenity that nature provides only furthered the other new benefits I experienced. For instance, my stress levels plummeted even further down.

11. Weight Loss

        Any events with friends or loved ones were likely to also involve some physical movement on my part. This in turn even furthered my connection with those around me.

12. Deeper Connections and Bonds

        I was now more engaging and enjoyable to be around. I realized that all of these people had a special place in my life and each relationship took on new meaning for me.

13. Forgiveness

        It was important for me to be forgiving in order to truly move forward in my own life and healing process.

14. Happiness

        I was more available and accessible emotionally, because happiness is such an important aspect to have in your life. I even saw my new mood becoming infectious. People around me were becoming happier as well!

15. Encouragement

       I began also to encourage others to better themselves and look forward to their own futures. The compassion I experienced actually ended up helping not only me, but the people around me. A study suggests “happy people become happier through kindness”.

16. Time Management

     I dedicated and planned time for things that were actually meaningful for me. I was truly able to savor each moment of each day this way.

17. Cutting Out What Harms Me

       I had to cut out toxic environments and toxic people from my life, which was hard, but necessary in order to move forward in my journey towards a happier, better me.

18. Positive Long-Term Results

          This is still my daily practice because it continues to amaze me and provide me with amazing life and health benefits. I now give more than I take. I am truly happier because of that.

            Developing a gratitude practice totally changed my life for the better. My cognition, mood, and health have improved exponentially in a short amount of time. Overall, I am much happier. I will continue this daily practice throughout life