Written by Tammy Machmali
Gratitude is like a magical code that can instantly transform your attitude from feeling like a victim to feeling like a winner, and the best part is, it's free.
In our fast-paced lives, it's easy to overlook the multitude of things we can be grateful for in each moment. We often forget how fortunate we truly are. Just take a moment to pause, take a deep breath, and look around. Consider the marvels that often go unnoticed—the ability to read these words, the hands that can click through the web, the ears that hear music and voices, the nose that detects aromas, the legs that carry us, and the hands that help us in countless ways.
What Is the Essence of Gratitude?
Gratitude is grounded in acknowledging all the goodness and value present in life, embracing these elements with a sense of genuine appreciation. It can be described as a fleeting sentiment as well as a fundamental aspect of one's character.
Gratitude is simple—when you appreciate the beauty and goodness around you and express thanks for people, situations, and things, you open the floodgates to even more goodness.
The secret is to be mindful and appreciative of what you have—both the good and the challenges. Even when life throws us painful experiences, remember that "rejection is God's way of protection." Embrace each situation with gratitude, for they all hold lessons and opportunities for growth.
Embracing gratitude as a practice might seem like an enigma to me, yet I've incorporated it into my daily routine. Why? Simply because it's free, uncomplicated, and astonishingly impactful. I began practicing gratitude 15 years ago, and it has become an integral part of my daily routine. Each morning, I wake up and count my blessings, either jotting them down on paper or sharing them with a friend or coach. By vocalizing my gratitude, I'm sending that positive energy out into the universe. The impact on my attitude and approach to life has been profound. At first, I held skepticism and hesitancy, questioning whether gratitude could truly influence my state of mind and overall mood. However, as with any new endeavor, tangible results take time to manifest. So, I continued nurturing this gratitude practice, keeping an open mind, recognizing that developing this skill and habit requires patience and perseverance.
I encourage you to give it a try for at least 21 days. This time frame allows you to build the habit of gratitude and observe the shift it brings to your life.
The ancient Hawaiian practice of Ho'oponopono echoes the power of gratitude. By accepting responsibility, offering forgiveness, and embracing love and gratitude, we can mend relationships and release the burdens of the past. Incorporating Ho'oponopono into daily life cultivates peace, joy, and meaningful connections.
“The more you practice gratitude, the more you see how much there is to be grateful for, and your life becomes an ongoing celebration of joy and happiness.”
Gratitude Meditation by Tammy Machmali
In 2014, Forbes magazine published an article entitled 7 Scientifically Proven Benefits Of Gratitude That Will Motivate You To Give Thanks Year-Round in which were listed the following benefits:
Benefits of Practicing Gratitude:
Elevates Energy Vibration: Gratitude shifts your energy to a positive frequency, attracting goodness like a magnet.
Boosts Self-Esteem: It enhances your self-worth and confidence.
Enhances Health and Energy: Gratitude makes you happier and more optimistic, contributing to overall well-being.
Builds Resilience: Grateful individuals handle challenges better and show greater generosity and forgiveness.
Promotes Mindfulness: Gratitude keeps you present, allowing you to appreciate the here and now.
Strengthens Relationships: Expressing gratitude nurtures connections and enriches your bonds.
Improves Mental Health: Gratitude reduces stress, anxiety, and negative thoughts.
Studies show that gratitude can have profound effects on the brain. It activates various brain regions and pathways associated with reward and pleasure. Gratitude boosts serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for happiness, and triggers the production of dopamine, our brain's pleasure chemical.
How Does It Work?
Psychology Today outlines numerous approaches to enhance your gratitude. Whether you opt for documenting your blessings in a gratitude journal or opt to express your gratitude to those around you, dedicating a few moments to cultivate gratitude can be remarkably transformative. Feeling thankful stands as one of the easiest and most immediate paths to enhancing your life.
It could be as uncomplicated as merely uttering or jotting down:
Today, I am grateful for my family, husband, and daughters.
I appreciate having a shelter over my head and food in my refrigerator.
I'm thankful for my artistic flair and my ability to create.
My health is a blessing for which I'm truly grateful.
I am grateful for my safe house, my car, and my dog.
Such simple expressions carry immense power. They serve as reminders of the abundance that surrounds us daily and shift our focus towards appreciating life's precious elements. These uncomplicated acts of gratitude can significantly impact our perspectives and imbue our lives with renewed positivity.
Gratitude also aids in releasing emotional baggage. When you close chapters with love and gratitude, you create space for new opportunities, people, and paths to enter your life. This heart-opening process paves the way for healing and miracles.
In a world where we often focus on what we lack, practicing gratitude shifts our perspective. It's about celebrating the good around us, even in the smallest things. By embracing gratitude, you not only transform your own life but also spread happiness to others.
Remember, gratitude is the key that opens doors to positivity and growth. Open your heart, be grateful, and allow healing and miracles to unfold in your life.
By practicing gratitude, we tap into an endless source of abundance and positivity. It rewires our brain, aligns our energy, and enhances our overall well-being. Gratitude is more than a mere emotion; it's a powerful force that shapes our reality.
So, I invite you to join me on this journey of gratitude. Embrace the blessings around you, express your thanks, and watch how this simple practice kindles a profound shift in your life. Let gratitude be your compass, leading you toward a brighter and more joyful existence. Start today and let the transformation begin.
Thank you for investing your time in reading this blog about embracing gratitude and contemplating its potential to bring about positive changes in your life. I genuinely hope that you find some value in these insights, just as I have, along with countless others.
If you have any inquiries, please don't hesitate to contact me.
For more content and updates, feel free to connect with me on Instagram @tammymachmali
“Open your heart, give gratitude, and let go; allow the energy of life to flow freely within you.”
