We have all heard how practicing gratitude can help us see the brighter (and bigger) picture of things and bring on emotions we need more of. We will sleep better. Our minds will be calmer. Our lives are fuller.
We just need to find a moment each day where we can get our thoughts down in a journal. Or write three things that brought us joy from the day before.
If you are like me, that practice feels good at the moment and then turns straight to a daily chore and task that I can completely beat myself up for not doing. It feels forced for me. And then my joy meter is anything but grateful.
A while back I instilled a practice that has worked, and most importantly, stuck for myself. AND the best part? I feel better and more grateful when I practice this way.
I merged a few different ideas into one that I call the Gratitude Bomb. For me, this practice gives me seven areas to focus on in life. These eight areas I commonly refer to in my coaching. They are all included in the Wheel of Life. They are:
- Personal Development
- Spiritual
- Fun + Enjoyment
- Relationship
- Health
- Personal Finance
- Career
- Parenting
This practice allows me to combine my creative side (hello fun hand-lettering skills) with some colorful markers or colored pencils and my visual side. I can visually see my life in balance when I do this. I intentionally focus and find areas to be grateful in within all seven different areas.
Without this, I was always looking for joy in my family and friends. This gives me the perspective of looking for gratitude in my career and finance. It helps guide me to seek those areas and allows my mind to feel good about where I am at right at this moment without judgment.
I offer up a set by step video instruction on this practice. You can check it out here!