It’s easy to give thanks on good days, but it can be more difficult to express gratitude on really rough days when nothing seems to go right. Fortunately, giving thanks can become easier over time. We have a few tips that can help you find things to be thankful for even on the toughest days.
Make it a Priority
Practicing gratitude is second nature for some people; however, it’s not so automatic for others. When it doesn’t come naturally, it’s important to make it a conscious effort and a priority. This is especially important because it is a well-known fact that, when undirected, our minds tend to be drawn to the negative.
Think back a few weeks, to Thanksgiving. Gratitude was a priority that day, and it can be a priority on any regular day, even without turkey and your favorite Thanksgiving side dishes. What would your life be like if you celebrated gratitude every day? How about abundant, fulfilling, and happy?
Start Small — One Thing Per Day
What are you thankful for today? We often focus our gratitude on big things, but little things matter, too. You might express gratitude after receiving a promotion at work, but you can also be thankful for something as simple as a delicious piece of pie.
In fact, the habit of being grateful starts with appreciating every good thing in life and recognizing that there is nothing too small for you to be thankful for. Remembering an umbrella on a rainy day, a hug from an old friend, an unexpected card in the mail – we can be thankful for all of them. Each day, choose one thing; over time, you’ll find that you can’t stop with one thing. Before you know it, you’ll have a gratitude list at the end of each day.
Don’t Worry about Getting Anything Back
There’s another way to express gratitude: act with kindness or thoughtfulness. Whether you pay for someone’s order in line, leave a muffin on a coworker’s desk, or make a donation to a favorite charity, think of something you’re grateful for at the same time. It’s a great way to practice gratitude — and don’t worry about getting anything back.
Focus on the Positive
It’s easy to be optimistic and look on the bright side on good days, but it’s a lot harder to do that on bad days. That’s why it’s important to make a conscious decision when you wake up: you can choose to be happy or miserable. If you choose to focus on the positive, problems may seem like challenges rather than insurmountable obstacles.
We’re Thankful, Too
At 365 Healthcare Staffing Services, we specialize in the recruitment and placement of healthcare professionals in per diem, travel, and permanent assignments in healthcare facilities across the country. We’re thankful for you, and we’re here when you need us. Give us a call when you’re ready for your next assignment: 310.436.3650.