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Gratitude Moment

Our brains are geared to notice the negative or potential dangers in our environment to keep us safe. This can be especially true when we are faced with challenges. A simple gratitude moment can help shift our minds to be more aware of things that are going well and/or things that we can be grateful for, particularly during difficult times.  By training our brains to intentionally notice and appreciate positive things in our day – however small or simple – we are developing a lifelong mentally healthy habit that helps to create a sense of gratitude and contentment in our life. Today’s Wellness Wednesday post reminds us how to find gratitude in small things, even during challenging times.   

 

Try this: 

As a class, group or family:  

  • Watch the following video about gratitude and how we can all find something to be thankful for: Kid President’s 25 Reasons To Be Thankful! (3:46) https://youtu.be/yA5Qpt1JRE4 
  • Next, think about somebody or something you love, or something wonderful that happened to you today (big or small). Sometimes the small things in life give us the most joy because they calm us down from the hard things we are thinking about and trying to figure out.  
  • Now, take some time to write or draw about it. 
  • Finally, take three soft, slow, mindful breaths and let yourself feel thankful.  
  • Keep your gratitude message or drawing beside your bed. Look at it again when you go to sleep and wake up. Feel free to add to it. It’s good to remind you of the good things in your life.  

 

Ask yourself, there is no wrong answer: 

Since completing this activity, how do you feel?  

Is this something you would do again, to train your brain to think of the positive things in life? 

 

Connecting to our faith: 

“Give thanks to the God of heaven, For His loving kindness (graciousness, mercy, compassion) endures forever.” (Psalm 136:26) 

"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24) 

 

Further Learning: 

  • Children’s Book: “The Book of Awesome” by Neil Pasricha  

 

Employees of LDCSB check out WorkLifeHealth from EAP Provider Morneau Sheppell 

 

 

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