I have republished this article a couple of times at Thanksgiving but none more needed than now…Thanksgiving 2022. Here’s the opportunity. 2023 can be a complete ‘do-over’. 

Rethinking My Attitude of Gratitude

Gratefulness: In Time for the Thanksgiving Holiday …

I recently recorded a short podcast-like audio on Developing an Attitude of Gratitude as part of my new series called Retraining Your Brain to Win.  You can access it free here on this free app called JAM https://www.jam.ai/jam/training-your-brain-to-win/how-to-develop-an-attitude-of-gratitude

Interestingly, most people experience a very strong urge to think negatively about themselves. And, based on the chaos in the world, our negative thoughts are constantly reinforced. The best defense is to shift your own mindset, in order to bring something positive into your thought process. It is especially important to do just before bed.

I asked my niece to be my gratitude partner & to start texting 3 things we’re grateful for each day. We’ve been doing it for over a week & it has honestly changed our brain to experience more dopamine (the happy brain hormone).

Here’s something men and women can do to show gratitude in their primary relationships. For the men, learn what women want most; to be understood, respected, and listened to (URL). For women, practice the 4 A’s with the man in your life; acknowledge, accept, affirm, and appreciate. We don’t attract that which we want, we attract that which we are. Being grateful enhances the relationship and puts the focus on the strengths in it. Relationships aren’t 50-50, they are 100-100. As you bring your 100% into it, what you project attracts the best in each other.

What are you grateful for in your life? Who are the people and things that bring you joy? How do you appreciate them or yourself daily? Are you willing to openly and frequently express words of gratitude to others? Think of doing this with children. Children live what they learn. Teach them to consistently shift their negative thoughts to positive outcomes.

If over 80% of our thoughts are typically negative (the human condition), how do you begin to increase the good thoughts in your mind to change this statistic for yourself.

What do you do?

  • First, you must be willing to bring the positive to consciousness. Just as it takes at least 21-24 days of focused effort to change any habit, training your brain to notice the blessings and positive things in life takes conscious practice.
  • The best way to kick-start this practice is at the end of each day, write down or text three things you are grateful for. When you do this, you are forcing your brain to review good moments that happened in the last 24 hours.

As you build a gratitude list, you are developing a positive mindset and perspective of the world that counteracts the cultural bias for negativity from the news & life.

It does not have to be monumental; it could be as simple as you found a parking space closer to the door, the trash was emptied when you got home, you fit into an outfit you haven’t been able to wear for a while, your boss complimented your work, your children are safely home, your significant other brought you flowers with a thank you note.

Today, I am thankful for …

Today, I am thankful for …

Today, I am thankful for …

Happy Thanksgiving!

Gloria Manchester, ICF-ACC, Prosperity-Building Coach, New Money Story® Mentor Coach, certified in Conversational Intelligence® and, an Amazon bestselling author.