by Fran Migliorati
From the Latin word 'gratia' meaning grace or gratefulness, gratitude is an appreciation for something you have or that you received from others.
When you practice gratitude, you give light to what is good in your life, whatever it is, maybe something little or something big, tangible or intangible.
Research shows that cultivating a gratitude practice helps increase an individual's overall sense of happiness and satisfaction in life. Research also shows that people who practice gratitude feel more positive emotions, have better health, are more capable to build and maintain stronger relationships and deal with adversity in a more positive way.
If you are feeling overwhelmed or if your anxiety levels are pretty high with all the ups and downs of your fertility journey, then I'd like to invite you to try practicing gratitude everyday, so here are 30 days of gratitude for you. If you do get a chance to try this exercise, please let me know how you feel about it.
Day 1. List 6 things that you are most grateful for in life (present or past)
Day 2. What things do you own that make life easier for you?
Day 3. Think about 3 best days you had in life… What is the one thing about each day that you are grateful for?
Day 4. Think about 3 terrible days you had in life… Is there anything on each day that you are grateful for?
Day 5. Detail something good that has recently happened to you that make you realise how fortunate you are. Try to be specific and use all your senses when describing it.
Day 6. List 3 people and/or things you feel that you take for granted. How can you express more appreciation for these things or people?
Day 7. Name 3 things that always put a smile on your face.
Day 8. What is the most beautiful place you have been to? Relive being in this place now. Try to use all your senses.
Day 9. List 3 things you could do today towards more kindness (to you or to others).
Day 10. List 3 things you love about your home.
Day 11. What friends are you most grateful for having? What makes each friend special?
Day 12. What can you start doing today to express your gratitude to others? Start doing it in the next few days.
Day 13. Make a list of 20 ways you are fortunate.
Day 14. What has been the highlight of your day today?
Day 15. List 3 physical characteristics (yours) are you most grateful for?
Day 16. What things made you laugh out loud this week?
Day 17. Name 3 talents or qualities you have that you are grateful for.
Day 18. Name 3 things that have happened to you that have strengthened your character and who you are today (positive or negative events).
Day 19. Write about something you saw recently that warmed your heart.
Day 20. Are you happy with how your day turned out? Can you do better tomorrow?
Day 21. Who or what in your life are you happy to have let go?
Day 22. Name 5 things you are doing well currently.
Day 23. Write a letter to your younger self thanking her for something you learned.
Day 24. Write a letter to your future self, telling her how proud you are of her.
Day 25. What are the 3 most simple things you are grateful for?
Day 26. Did you have a nice surprise today? Write about it.
Day 27. Who has taught you about unconditional love in the past or present?
Day 28. What positive changes to your personality have happened in the last year?
Day 29. Write about a time someone went out of their way to help you.
Day 30. How can you continue being more thankful?