This is still a work-in-progress, and I think it will be a constant process for me, but it has been a reoccurring theme in my life of being sure to mahalo i ka mea i loaʻa (to be thankful for what we have). It’s usually easier, or my first instinct, many times to think of, “oh but what I really wanted was this,” or “ugh, we still don’t have that,” or “if this would just happen then all of our problems would be solved.”
This process has been ironic for me as I would say I’m usually a positive, optimistic, half glass full-type of person. It has taken some time for me to realize the effects of my negative, deficit thoughts, and how it’s easy to get caught in this downward spiral.
When I stop myself in these negative thoughts, and change it to a positive, I already feel the positive effects in my life even though nothing may have actually changed (except for my perspective).
To further this practice, I usually try to take a moment during the day–for me, usually first thing in the morning and/or at night before fall asleep–to take a moment to pause and think about all that I am thankful for.
How do you practice gratitude?