{"id":5795,"date":"2022-11-03T07:05:00","date_gmt":"2022-11-03T12:05:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.creativesolutionsonline.org\/?p=5795"},"modified":"2025-07-08T19:01:35","modified_gmt":"2025-07-09T00:01:35","slug":"choosing-to-be-grateful","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.creativesolutionsonline.org\/rebuild-csbh-sit\/choosing-to-be-grateful\/","title":{"rendered":"Choosing to be Grateful: Finding the Positive Amid Negativity & Conflict"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Choosing<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019re living in uncertain times.\u00a0Our world often seems dark, dangerous, and difficult.\u00a0Needless to say, it\u2019s not always easy choose to be grateful and to find the positive amid negativity and conflict.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, gratitude can go a long way. There are still plenty of good things to appreciate in this world, and choosing to focus on those things can make a big difference in how you feel. It can also impact your outlook on life, and even rub off on others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still, that might sound easier said than done. So, how can you choose to be grateful? How can you practice intentional appreciation every day? <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Make a List Every Day<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Journal<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

It might sound a little cliche to make a list of the things you\u2019re grateful for. But, it can really help. There are also several ways to do it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A great way to start your day is by listing ten things you\u2019re grateful for. It will put you in a positive mindset, and you can remind yourself of those things throughout the day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alternatively, try carrying a small notebook or journal around with you. Whenever a moment of gratitude strikes, jot it down. The great thing about this practice is that you can look back on things you\u2019ve been grateful for in the past. So, when you\u2019re having a particularly hard day and it\u2019s not easy to find the positive, you will have a whole book at your fingertips that can help. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ask Others What They\u2019re Grateful For<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Everyone has played the game at Thanksgiving where you go around the table and each person shares what they\u2019re thankful for. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That doesn\u2019t have to be reserved for one day a year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ask the people in your life what they\u2019re thankful for on a regular basis, especially when you\u2019re feeling down or stuck in a negative cycle. Not only will their positivity help you, but your question might make help them to focus on better things, too. It can brighten their day and help them to be more grateful on a regular basis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

End Your Day on a Positive Note<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Choosing<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Just as you can start your day with things you\u2019re grateful for, it\u2019s also a wonderful way to relax your mind and body at night. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every day is different, so be very specific with your appreciation before you climb into bed. As a part of your nighttime routine, say three good things aloud that happened to you that day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep in mind that you can (and should) choose to thank yourself, too. What did you do today that benefitted your mental, physical, or emotional health? How are you taking care of your well-being? Be grateful for the way you\u2019re practicing self-care and making your health a priority. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be Mindful in Happy Moments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s not uncommon, as humans, to focus on the negative moments in our lives. We are hard-wired to notice cues of “threats” more than cues of safety. These negative thoughts try to take over our thoughts and cause us to dwell on them.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try doing that with happy, positive moments, instead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The next time something particularly positive comes up in your life, pause and reflect at the moment it\u2019s happening. SAVOR it! Be mindful of how you feel, your surroundings, and what exactly is causing that moment to make you so happy.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Perhaps keep an album on your phone of your favorite people, places, things, and activities that bring you peace and joy. Take time to review these moments to solidify them in your mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mindfulness is a great tool for alleviating stress and helping you to relax, but it can also improve your focus and open your mind to see more positive things on a daily basis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While life is difficult and it\u2019s not always easy to see the bright side, there is always something to be grateful for. The more you start to recognize the positive things in your life, the more gratitude you can cultivate<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact Me<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019d like to learn more or you\u2019re looking for more strategies for tapping into gratitude, feel free to contact me to set up an appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I know how stressful and demanding it can be to make changes in your life, but you don\u2019t have to figure it out on your own.   Some of the benefits of individual therapy include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n