Writing Powerful Gratitudes

Taking a little time to consider how to write your gratitude may give you a better experience. Consider the gratitude:

I'm grateful for my health.

There is nothing wrong with this gratitude, however it isn't very powerful. Powerful gratitudes need several components to truly connect the sentiment to the benefits of appreciation. Here are some tips on how to do that:

1. The more specific the better.

Writing specifically about which aspect (or aspects) of your health will help you contemplate the gratitude deeper:

I'm grateful that I can breathe more easily now.

2. Add because...

Adding because further helps you appreciate the value of the gratitude.

...because being out of breath was so tiring and it is now easier for me to do things like climb stairs.

3. Share why this is relevant.

I quit smoking 6 months ago today!

Here are a few more examples of powerful gratitudes:

I am thankful that my cancer is in remission.

...because I see each day as a bonus day and want to make the most of it.

It's been 5 years since my colon cancer was first detected.

I appreciate that my heart, muscles, eyesight, and hearing work well enough.

...because it allows me the freedom to enjoy a great afternoon attending my grandson's soccer game.

I am 80 years old and could be having so many health problems that would not allow me to be at that game.

NOTE: Make sure your gratitude isn't a gripe in disguise.

Saying 'I'm grateful that I finally lost 5 pounds' isn't really a gratitude, it's a gripe. The telltale sign? The word 'finally'.

Watch whether your energy goes up or down after you write the gratitude and you'll know which one you've got.

Adding 'so far' (when you haven't reached your goal yet) - can convey a more positive sentiment and acknowledges that you aren't finished.

I'm grateful that I've lost 5 pounds so far.

And then keep on going.