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The Age of Entitlement

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For the most part, much of what we want in our daily lives is readily available to us. We live in an electronic world where the lines between our own and those of others are becoming more blurred every day. This inherent disconnection separates us from the people who grow and create the things around us as well as the people involved in that process. It makes gratitude a less likely practice. When we feel that we could possibly have anything we want without having to wait, then what is important about being grateful? 

Autumn is traditionally a time associated with the harvesting and sharing of food. Families and friends head indoors for the cooler months to come. Unless you farm your own food, most people don’t participate in the growing and farming of the food that shows up on their table. Most of us work and generate money to buy food, so there is a natural detachment to the “where’’ and “how” of the food. The “buy local” food movement has invited a renewed appreciation for food and the people who grow it.  It is not surprising that an increasing interest in practicing gratitude is afoot as well. For decades, we’ve been disconnected from our food sources and uneducated in the “where” and “how”. A renewed connection to the source of our food reminds us that there are real people affected by natural elements and weather in the production of their goods. This new awareness can facilitate an increase in gratitude in our daily lives.

There is a prevailing sense that gratitude is a weak and soft emotional stance – a perspective and practice for those who lack confidence or are in a place of wanting in their lives. However, practicing gratitude and looking for ways to let people know they are appreciated in your life is likely to lead to improved health, wellbeing and stronger relationships.  

You can also experience positive health impact such as lowered blood pressure, reduced stress and anxiety. People who end their day in gratitude are also more likely to have a better night’s sleep. In the pilot for my book A Gratitude Journal: 3 Daily Practices for Joyful Living, participants reported that they slept better. This was an unanticipated but logical outcome of ending one’s day in gratitude. In finding three things that you are grateful for in your life at the end of each day, you go to sleep in a perspective of appreciation. Rather than kicking your butt over what you didn’t do well in the day or worrying about what will or will not happen tomorrow, hitting the pillow with you head fully in the present in your life can help you feel relaxed enough to improve the quality of your sleep.  
 

 

Five steps to invite gratitude into your daily life 

Step 1: Start with intention
Start with the intention to create more awareness around what goes into the things and activities that cross our paths in daily life. Be aware. Allow yourself to imagine all the labour and love that went into the creation of what is in front of you.  

Step 2: Cultivate awareness
Grow your awareness of what you can be grateful for each day by seeking it out. When someone opens a door for you, be sure to thank them. Look people in the eye. Simply smile at someone and they will be compelled to smile back at you. It’s intuitive.  

Step 3: Acknowledge someone each day
When you become aware of the impact of others on your day, you will see all kinds of opportunities to thank people for their impact in your life.  

Step 4: End your day in gratitude 
At the end of your day, spend a moment recounting 3 things you are thankful for in your day. Some days this will come easy and some days you will feel that you have to dig a little deeper. Use a gratitude journal or simply list things to yourself before you fall asleep. Your sleep, your relationships, and your overall mood are likely to improve.    

Step 5: Share the gratitude
Encourage friends and family to share what makes them feel grateful. Whether over a family dinner or a coffee with friends, bringing up the topic of gratitude helps people to connect with others.   
 

 

Sonia Byrne, CTI-Trained Coach, B.A, CHRP, is a coach, author, and workshop facilitator with a Life & Career Coaching practice in Toronto. Go to www.soniabyrne.com for more information.


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