Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/216837
project, though perhaps not since the days of making mixed tapes. We were given a blank poster board, stacks of magazines, scissors and glue sticks, and told to take it away. Truth be told—I was skeptical that this exercise would set off any grand emotional waves. usual gratitude suspects—images that represented my husband, daughters and food…OK…cupcakes—a few unexpected "A-ha" moments emerged as well. Notarepresented "me time"—solitary travel and relaxation, AKA stuff I want more of that makes me feel guilty. Bottom line? If I really appreciate these actions, why feel project was nothing to shake a glue stick at. Already a little weight was lifted from my psyche, I felt more grateful and at peace about my life (including an upcoming trip I'm taking all by my lonesome) and I had a pretty new collage to show off. DAY #2: RECORD IT ways to practice gratitude regularly is by keeping a journal. Bob McGrath, a clinical psychologist who's kept a gratitude journal for seven years, as we sit in his University Health but there's something about wrapping up your day with it." Why does it work? "We develop leanings, positive or negative," McGrath experson cutting you off in the car or that person who opened the door for you? Being thankful for that positive opens up a different side of the brain." Keeping a few extra tips in mind—that I don't have to journal every day and that I can be thankful for anything, big or small—I get started in one of those cutesy blank books received as a present that I didn't see the point of initially, but am suddenly grateful for. (It's already working!) Spoiler alert: It doesn't take long before my journal becomes neglected. But even on the days I don't write it down, I fall asleep thinking grateful thoughts, and have still created effective internal gear shifting—leading to a greater feeling of wellbeing and even a better night's sleep. DAY #3: WRITE A GRATITUDE LETTER…OR TWO Another biggie on the gratitude scene, writing letters has been shown to provide idea is to sit down and think of one person who's made a big impact on your life and write a letter to them saying thanks. you can also make expressing gratitude a more regular goal while still keeping it manageable. "One of the challenges [a client of mine] came up with was a month-long gratitude calendar. She said, 'Each day I will express gratitude to someone in a creative way,'" letter or Facebook post, depending on her energy level and who it was." opt for about seven days of writing gratitude letters to seven different people. As the week progresses, this task hits me the hardest. I don't get through any of these letters—written to friends, family and an old teacher—without tearing tude—they become a vessel for saying things I would have regretted keeping to myself. I also try out different delivery methods. I send several through snail mail and drop another on a friend's doorstep with a six-pack and chocolate. Each way is rewarding, but the most uplifting is reading the letter out loud to the person. Yup, tears again. And hugs. But I also get immediate gratitude in return. gratitude, it helps me feel more connected to the important people in my life. DAY #4: PARADIGM SHIFT "Proactively think of three things that are pissing you off in the moment," into gratitudes." No problem! Who isn't good at complaining? Immediately I recall the month of sicknesses we've had in my family and focus on how taking care of each other has brought us closer. I complain internally that my 6-year-old daughter never stops talking, and then remember how much she makes me laugh. As I practice this more, the habit offers a swell of positive thoughts and emotions in a moment when there would have been none. DECEMBER 2013 | BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM 49