Myths about Gratitude and how to practice Gratitude-on-the-go

Myths about Gratitude and Gratitude-on-the-go

Gratitude is not another new-age fad but a scientifically proven attitude.

According to Arianna Huffington, author of Thrive “Gratitude works its magic by serving as an antidote to negative emotions.”

But like any other thing, there are many myths behind this which prevents the people to practice gratitude despite its numerous benefits.

Even if you think “This is so not for me,” give it a read.

 

Myths about Gratitude

Myth 1: Writing about the things one is grateful for, does not make a difference

People feel that writing a Gratitude journal is similar to feeling grateful and it does not make any difference writing down. But in reality, it does.

“One bad day when I sat down in the night to write down my gratitude journal, I could not found anything to write about.

Then I started flipping the previous pages that were holding many happy moments.

Reading them made me so happy that when I reached the blank page, I found 4-5 things on the same day to be thankful for.”

Isn’t it magical?

“Going through your gratitude journal helps us rewind the happy moments and help us count our blessings.”

Myth 2: Gratitude is only possible when we are happy

When times are good, we all find it easy to be grateful but what about those bad days when we are having a hard time.

The truth is Gratitude is possible when we are sad or unhappy and important to help us get through bad times. It’s just that we need to look little deeper.

Myth 3: Gratitude is for religious people

While being grateful to God is something a religious person would do on a regular basis but for being grateful to people or nature does not require one to be religious.

Being thankful for a kind act by someone does not require you to be religious.

Being grateful for your own abilities does not require you to be religious.

Myth 4: Gratitude is for happy-go-lucky people

Many people used to believe that Gratitude is for carefree people who accept whatever happens without becoming worried.

The truth is- It’s for everyone.

I am not the one, but even then, I found gratitude really helpful in shedding the stress and negative thoughts.

“Not all happy people are Grateful, but all Grateful people are happy.”

 

 

My experience with Gratitude – “Gratitude Pie”

The year 2016 was not an easy one for me, emotionally and financially. So, with the beginning of the new year 2017, I started practicing Gratitude on a monthly basis on the advice of a fellow Blogger. But realized that I would need it more frequently.

I started writing in my Gratitude journal but failed after few days. Maybe because writing a Gratitude journal takes time and effort. Moreover, I am bad at making lists.

It was July when I found an easy way to express Gratitude (read below why I feel it’s easy). An idea struck me while I was making some Office presentation using Pie-charts.

I named it “Gratitude Pie.” It is a Pie-style gratitude journal which helps to take note of things we are thankful for.

Sneak peak into one of my Gratitude pie-

This is why I feel it’s easy than conventional journal-

1. Non-list type which makes it interesting (I am not good at making Lists, I told you).
2. Pie is already divided into sectors- which ensure I write at least 3 things.
3. Less space allows me to write in short which makes the process, a quick one.
4. More interactive to share (We all prefer pictures over lists).
5. Easy to look back and read.

It’s been more than 16 weeks now that I am practicing daily Gratitude. If you want to check out my Gratitude Pies on Instagram – Click here.

Now, I started cherishing the moments without rushing through them.

• I start my morning walk offering thanks to Sun and Nature.
• I stop to smell the leaves and flowers.
• I enjoy my food without any distraction.
• I savor my Coffee rather than drinking it mindlessly.
• I note down each and every single thing in a day that brings a smile on my face.

The more I talked about it, the more I started to appreciate the presence of Gratitude in my Life.

Gratitude on-the-go: Gratitude Pie App

Now, I wish to take it to the next level- A mobile App.

In an Era where we all are on the move, it would be easy for all of us to practice gratitude on-the-go if it goes digital.

I started working on it in September but had to postpone it due to limited funds. Now, I am running a crowdfunding campaign for the same on Bitgiving.

Kindly support me for this initiative and help me bring this App into the World so that we all can explore the power of Gratitude.

 

 

Author Bio
Upasna is a Blogger who loves to share her Self-improvement stories, Parenting Tales and Lifestyle improvement journey over her Blog “Life through my Bioscope.” A self-proclaimed Minimalist who enjoys being outdoors, soft music, and spending time with Family.

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