What does it mean to be grateful?

When a teacher asks a room full of children, “What are you grateful for?” the answers will vary. More extroverted students will call out first. “My dog, Fluffy!”, “My mom!” “Pizza for dinner!” As the room quiets a good teacher my smile at a shy student or a more solemn child. She may whisper, “What about you?” Not every child feels like speaking out in class staying calm and quiet is their comfort zone. But, in a perfect world, every child has something to be grateful for.

The benefits of a regular gratitude practice has been studied. There are definite associations between practicing gratitude and reduced depression. Those who practice gratitude daily experience more joy and less anxiety. When you express gratitude you can interrupts negative thought patterns and bring you into the present moment.

There is an energy shift when you decide to think of the good things in your life. When you get quiet and start searching your memories for the things that make you happy, there is a lifting, a lightening of mood and feeling.

Tips for practicing gratitude

Journal

Start a gratitude journal or add a gratitude prompt to your existing journal. Try and list 1-3 things that you are grateful for each day.

Art journal

Kids can have there own journal and crayons for drawing their feelings. Have them draw pictures of facial expressions or use favorite colors that reflect how they are feeling inside. For instance, if they are angry they may choose a bright red color and draw fire. Parents can do this too. Art is a great way to brainstorm your feelings while expressing your creativity.

Gratitude Jar

Repurpose any jars that you have on hand and leave it out on the kitchen counter. Cut up small pieces of paper or use post it notes. Each day write down something you are grateful for and add it to the jar. At the end of week, month or year, reflect on all of you notes.

Quiet time

Take a moment each day to sit quietly. You may want to read your gratitude journal first. Reflect on your grateful things for a few minutes in quiet meditation. Breathe in and out slowly and really focus on your grateful list.

Refrigerator reminder

Do you have artwork on your refrigerator? Why not try a gratitude prompt? Have kids draw a picture with the prompt, “What are you grateful for today?” then hang it on the refrigerator. Every time kids go to the kitchen they will be reminded to think about something that makes them thankful.