What is Gratituding and How To Do It

While attending an event for young adults graduating from a parenting class today, Fatimah Matin mentioned a word that is new to me and really resonated: gratituding. I appreciate made up words. They possess the power to be both lighthearted and deeply meaningful. In this blog post, let's dive into the concept of gratituding together, exploring its potential for adding a touch of joy and inspiration to our daily lives.

What's in This Post

What is Gratituding?

Here's my definition of gratituding.

Gratituding is the intentional practice of both feeling and expressing gratitude. It involves recognizing and appreciating the positive aspects of life, acknowledging those things you value in others, and cultivating a mindset focused on thankfulness.

Mindfulness and Gratituding

Gratituding helps you be in the moment. It emphasizes the importance of being present in the now.

It helps build the practice of conscious awareness of the positive elements in your life and promotes a sense of contentment and fulfillment.

Being Grateful for People 

Expressing gratitude for others is a powerful practice that deepens interpersonal connections and fosters a sense of community.

Acknowledging the contributions, kindness, and support of those around you not only strengthens your relationships but also creates a positive and uplifting atmosphere.

Gratitude for others goes beyond mere politeness; it is a genuine acknowledgment of the impact people have on your life, promoting empathy, understanding, and a shared sense of appreciation within your family, social circles, and community.

Being Grateful for Yourself

Be grateful for your positives too. It's not only important to notice and acknowledge what you appreciate about other people; it's also important to give yourself pats on the back. 

Practicing self-gratitude involves recognizing and appreciating your strengths, achievements, and inherent worth. It is a vital aspect of self-care and mental well-being.

By acknowledging personal accomplishments, resilience in the face of challenges, and positive qualities, you can cultivate a healthy self-image and boost your self-esteem.

Self-gratitude is not about arrogance but rather a compassionate acknowledgment of your journey, nurturing a positive relationship with yourself, and laying the foundation for continued personal growth.

Being Grateful for Things

Gratitude for material possessions and life's comforts involves recognizing the value and positive impact they bring to your life. It's about appreciating the small and big things, from the warmth of a cozy home to the convenience of modern conveniences.

Cultivating gratitude for things encourages a mindful awareness of the abundance in our lives, shifting the focus from what we lack to what we possess. This practice promotes contentment, reduces feelings of scarcity, and enhances overall well-being by fostering a grateful perspective on the tangible elements that contribute to our daily lives.

Being Grateful for Experiences

Expressing gratitude for experiences involves acknowledging the richness and diversity of life's journey. Whether it's the joy derived from meaningful connections, the lessons learned through challenges, or the beauty found in moments of serenity, gratitude for experiences is about embracing the tapestry of life.

The gratituding mindset encourages you to savor the present, learn from the past, and approach the future with a positive outlook shaped by the diverse and valuable experiences that contribute to personal growth and fulfillment.

How to Practice Being a Grateful Person

My 75 Journal Prompts to Help You Practice the Attitude of Gratitude post can help inspire your gratituding.

Here are 15 ways to put gratituding into practice and give yourself and others a feel-good boost: 

1. Gratitude Journal: Dedicate a few minutes each day to jot down things you are thankful for in a gratitude journal. (I've created two daily journals with prompts that can be helpful for this gratituding practice: Roses, Thorns and Buds Silver Lining Journal for Daily Joys, Challenges and Inspirations, and Increasing My Happiness Quotient: Silver Lining Joy Journal & Workbook.)

2. Morning Gratitude Reflection: Begin your day by reflecting on three things you're grateful for, setting a positive tone for the day ahead. 

3. Gratitude Jar: Place a jar on your desk or in your home and add notes of gratitude daily. Review them periodically for a boost of positivity.

4. Express Appreciation Out Loud: Verbally express gratitude to a family member, friend, or colleague for something specific each day.

5. Mindful Moments: Integrate gratitude into daily mindfulness or meditation practices by focusing on aspects of your life you appreciate.

6. Three Good Things Exercise: Reflect on three positive experiences each day and consider why they happened. This can enhance overall well-being.

7. Gratitude App: Utilize mobile apps designed for gratitude practices, providing prompts and reminders to express thankfulness.

8. Daily Affirmations: Incorporate positive affirmations related to gratitude into your daily routine to foster a mindset of appreciation. (For help making affirmations and 130 power words to get you started, check out this post: 130 Plus Simple Positive Morning Affirmations for Confidence.) 

9. Gratitude Walk: During a walk, focus on the beauty around you and express gratitude for the natural elements or simple pleasures.

10. Mealtime Reflection: Take a moment before meals to appreciate the food, its source, and the effort involved in its preparation.

11. Gratitude Partner: Share daily expressions of gratitude with a friend or family member, creating a reciprocal practice of appreciation.

12. Savoring Rituals: Take time to savor small moments, whether it's enjoying playing with kids or pets, or the warmth of sunlight through a window.

13. Gratituding Before Sleep: End your day by reflecting on one to three positive things that happened, fostering a sense of contentment before sleep.

14. Random Acts of Kindness: Perform small acts of kindness for others and reflect on the positive impact, cultivating gratitude for the ability to contribute.

15. Gratitude Board: Create a visual representation of gratitude by pinning notes, pictures, or symbols of appreciation on a bulletin board.

Choose one or a combination of these practices to suit your preferences and lifestyle, making gratitude a consistent and enriching part of your daily routine.

Journals and Workbooks to Boost Your Gratituding 

I've created many journals and workbooks based on what I've learned from helping thousands of counseling clients increase their stress resilience and happiness. Several of the journal/workbooks include gratitude exercises. Check them out and discover how they can add to your gratituding and improve your life.

Building Skills to Uplevel Life: Silver Lining Emotional Intelligence Workbook

Becoming Calm: Silver Lining Anxiety and Stress Resilience Workbook and Journal

Increasing My Happiness Quotient: Silver Lining Joy Journal & Workbook

Roses, Thorns and Buds Silver Lining Journal for Daily Joys, Challenges and Inspirations

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