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When it rains, look for rainbows. When it’s dark, look for stars.
This ancient proverb is somewhat correct: when life is complicated and overwhelming, the best way to improve things is to focus on something positive. There are multiple benefits of doing so: you will find yourself in a better mood, you will feel less stressed out, and you might even be rewarded with a change in your fortunes! Here are some ideas of what you can do this month to appreciate the little blessings in your life.
1. Self-appreciation.
It would be best if you always remembered to look at yourself in the mirror and take a good look at what you have, too often ignoring the good times and concentrating on the bad. Remember that you are capable of doing something better than yesterday, that you can do anything if you put your mind to it, and pick a positive habit – like morning yoga or running – that keeps your body active in the shape of a stretch.
2. Genuine love.
True love is all about giving back, but sometimes we tend to forget that giving is not just giving money or gifts; it's also giving time or affection, which are equally important, and offering advice when needed.
3. Count your blessings.
Gratitude is a great way to feel better. Buddhists believe that gratitude is one of the most important things to achieve happiness. There are many reasons to support this belief – a grateful person is more likely to be happy. Other people are more likely to help and support someone grateful. So make a list of things you appreciate in your life like health, loved ones, or even free time.
4. Family matters.
The best way to get through any difficult situation is with the help of family and friends. Make it a priority every month to meet up with your relatives, friends, and anyone else you care about. If you're not in touch with them, do so at least once a month – and make it a goal to spend more time with those who matter most to you.
5. Home is where the heart is.
Life can be rather hectic when you live in an urban area like Manila. As such, we tend to forget about the importance of our immediate surroundings: family and friends. To ensure that you experience the benefits of being together each day, make it a priority to organize family dinners – and even get-togethers with friends.
6. Mindfulness.
Of course, achieving inner peace is not easy. Still, you can start by applying this ancient and straightforward mindfulness practice: focus on your breathing for 10 minutes. It may seem like an easy task at first, but starting small is the best way to master this exercise.
Perhaps you could begin by focusing on your breath for one minute before moving to two minutes or three minutes. Once you have got the practice, try doing it for 20 minutes!
7. Reaching out.
It's essential to reach out to people in need. If someone is hurting, listen to them and try to understand what they are going through. Try comforting them with words rather than actions.
8. Be grateful for the small things.
While we often pay less attention to the positive side of our lives, it's essential to keep this in mind because these small things can significantly impact our lives in the long run – even if they seem insignificant at first glance. Greeting your neighbors, offering treats, and being polite are all examples of how you can make life better for everyone around you: people appreciate it!
9. Catch yourself in the act.
It's easy to be gracious and grateful when everything is going well, but what about those times when you have a bad day? Take inventory of your feelings through journaling – writing down what you experience, what you think about, and how this is affecting your life. The more you know yourself, the easier it will be to find a solution.
10. Look for rainbows.
When things go wrong on a bad day, get out of bed and try looking at the bright side of things by thinking back on happy memories or by considering the current situation from a different perspective: even if it's not ideal now, there are still ways to make it better!
Conclusion:
People who are grateful for what they have in life appreciate the journey. Still, people who are not aware of their blessings tend to be dissatisfied with life. The best way to be grateful is to make a list of things you're thankful for.
There are virtually endless possibilities, and you need only choose one that appeals to you: your favorite meal, a loved one, childhood friends, always having money in the bank, or that favorite holiday destination. Whatever it may be, being grateful for it will help put things into perspective so that you can feel better about life overall.