So many of us think that we need more - more things, more time off, more money, more friends, more …  You fill in the blank as it relates to you but I’ll bet you want more of something in your life.  Our culture and society are constantly bombarding us with ads and celebrities who exemplify excess.  If you are not satisfied with what you have, especially if you compare yourself to others, your happiness will be elusive.

I would like you to consider making a radical change.  Slow down.  Look in front of you and dig deep into your heart to find the things are going well for you.  Take a moment to reflect on the things you appreciate, be patient, and use a mindful approach to life.  When we are mindful and we count our blessings, we become grateful for what is, instead of what isn’t.  That might be a game changer for you if you are willing to do the work. Keeping a gratitude journal and writing in it can help you practice gratitude consistently.  I journal in the morning to start my day on a positive note. 

Being grateful and in the moment can change your mindset.  You can go from thinking negative thoughts to positive thoughts and research has shown that it can reduce depression and anxiety.  "Expressing gratitude can positively change your brain," says Kristin Francis, MD, a psychiatrist at Huntsman Mental Health Institute.  "It boosts dopamine and serotonin, the neurotransmitters in the brain that improve your mood immediately, giving you those positive feelings of pleasure, happiness, and well-being." (University of Utah Health, Healthfeed “Practicing Gratitude for Better Health and Well-Being,” Nov. 19, 2021)

Likewise, when you express gratitude toward others, it can strengthen your relationships with them. When your family, friends, and co-workers feel appreciated, you create a strong bond with them.  And by appreciating them for their friendship and thinking of them as collaborators instead of competitors you will be less likely to compare yourself to them.  Remember,  as Teddy Roosevelt once said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” In other words, you are more likely to be happy if you do not compare yourself to others.  And if you and your friends are happy with you “just the way you are,” like Bridget Jones’s friends were in Bridget Jones's Diary, then you will feel better about yourself and you will have better self esteem.

Try it and let me know how it goes for you.  The benefits of gratitude increase with regular practice, and it's something that you can incorporate into your life.  It might take time to develop but I can tell you from my experience that the benefits are worth your time and commitment.

Are you ready to talk about one on one coaching? Send me an email to schedule a Reality Check! We can find out if it is a good fit for you so you can:

• find a way to take care of yourself and all of your responsibilities pulling in so many different directions

• figure out what’s working and what’s not working in your life

• make changes with encouraging support

  
  Let's Connect! Send an email to betsy@betsyseybolt.com