4 Simple Steps to Having a Great Day

Gratitude comes a lot easier when you are having a great day, dontcha think? Well, if that is the case, why not learn to have a great day?

First of all, it’s very easy to get caught up in the negativity of people around you, but if you can implement these four little steps, you’ll find yourself having a great day, that will rub off on those around you, and you will feel higher levels of gratitude.

Try these techniques to bring you more gratitude and joy throughout your day:

1. Wake up with a smile on your face. How many of us wake up and groan at the thought of the day ahead? Tomorrow morning try doing something a little different.

• Set your alarm five minutes earlier than normal.

• As you wake up, luxuriate in the warmth and softness of your bed.

• Smile to yourself to set your inner mood.

• Before you get out of bed, think of five
  things that bring you gratitude right at that moment.

2. Treat your chores as opportunities. If your day seems to be an endless round of cleaning, cooking, shopping, and picking up the kids after school, escape the perceived drudgery and take advantage of the opportunity each one of these chores can give you. turn this perception into grateful feelings instead of ‘dreadery’!

• When you’re cleaning the house, play some loud party music and dance as you go – you’ll get more exercise and have some fun while cleaning.

• Ask your children and or spouse to help you prepare meals. You’ll enjoy quality time with them and teach them something at the same time.

• When you’re shopping, have a friendly smile on your face. Avoid rushing around and take the time to thank the checkout operator for her time – she likes to feel appreciated too. Smile – you will see that it is contagious.

• Share your gratitude with people. Let them know that you are grateful for having them in your life.

• Talk with your children. When you pick up your children from school, ask them about their day. They’ll have so much to share with you if you give them a little time to do it. And listen to their answers – they know when you’re not paying attention. When you engage with them, they will sense it and they will experience gratitude.

3. Use the STOP sign. Anytime you feel yourself getting upset, anxious, or angry with people as you go through your day, flash a bright red or purple stop sign in your head. Remember that these are not feelings of gratitude. Take that moment to take a deep breath, center yourself, and then carry on
with your conversation. You’ll feel a lot less agitated and both parties will benefit.

4. Be nice. This last step is so simple, yet so many people are just too busy to put it into place. Being nice is as easy as smiling at the cabbie or the bus driver in the morning, saying “hello” to the person from whom you buy your coffee, or using the words “thank you” at least a half a dozen times a day. Don’t forget to feel the thanks – do not just give it lip-service.

• If you take action to be nice, friendly, and caring, then your day will be so much better than if you run around feeling sorry for yourself, angry or upset. Trade those negative feelings for ones of joy, love, and gratitude!

One of the best things about these tips is
that not one of these will cost you anything in terms of money or time. It’s easier on your face if you smile rather than frown; it’s easier to get through a day feeling contented and happy. And if you share your happy mood, just imagine what a wonderful gift that can be for those around you!

It has been said that, “Being happy doesn’t mean that everything is perfect. It means that you’ve decided to look beyond the imperfections.” If you start your day preparing to have a good one, your day will blossom just as you do. The bonus is that your smile will remind at least one person you come across in your day that they can take the time to smile too.

Be Well.
Paul.
The Gratitude Guru