Cultivate a Gratitude Practice
The key is to find out what works for everyone based on their personalities and ages , and then commit to enjoying these rituals on a regular basis .
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Cultivate a Gratitude Practice
During our busy days , taking time to pause and express our thanks bolsters our mental and emotional health and well-being . Expressing gratitude out loud to others helps to cultivate a positive mindset . Start by keeping a gratitude jar in your house .
Choose a favorite piece of handmade pottery , have your kids decorate a special box with glitter paint and sequins or grab a simple mason jar . Designate that as your “ gratitude jar ”.
Leave it out on the kitchen counter with slips of paper nearby for family members to write things randomly throughout the week . Then choose a day once a week or once a month to sit down as a family and review the contents of the jar .
In my book , I wrote about a client named Leigh Ann who was experiencing apathy and disengagement with her teenage son . He was very introverted , and she wanted a strategy to draw him out in a way that felt safe and supportive to him .
Gratitude goes a long way in staying connected with your loved ones and improving communication . It ’ s one of the most important rituals that I teach my clients about .
Try implementing one or more of these rituals for a few months and notice the change in your interpersonal dynamics . There may be resistance from some family members at first but stick with it . That ’ s normal when you ’ re implementing new routines and ideas .
The key is to find out what works for everyone based on their personalities and ages , and then commit to enjoying these rituals on a regular basis .
Over time , you will find that family members listen more attentively , engage more readily , and feel more connected to one another . Your family will experience more love , joy and happiness as a result !
FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS
Once they implemented the idea of a gratitude jar , Sunday became the most anticipated family meal of the week as everyone experienced how nice it was to be recognized for the little things . “ Thanks for taking out the trash .” “ Thanks for washing my car .” “ Thanks for giving me a hug when I was sad .”
ELIZABETH BARBOUR – Elizabeth Barbour is the author of the award-winning Sacred Celebrations : Designing Rituals to Navigate Life ’ s Milestone Transitions and Smart Self-Care for Busy Women : 20 Lessons to Help You Create the “ Me Time ” You Keep Putting Off . An intuitive life coach and speaker , she blends traditional coaching techniques with spiritual wisdom in her practice . Learn more at www . elizabethbarbour . com or on social media @ elizabethbarbour .
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