Lately we’ve seen a ton of people posting on social media about what they are grateful for this year. Gratitude practices tend to pick up around Thanksgiving, so we thought it was the perfect time to highlight it on our blog. Although gratitude is “trending” right now, it is something that’s important to practice always. Keep in mind, practicing gratitude is something you can do by yourself every day. While it’s great to share with your friends and family, it’s also something you can do by yourself whenever you want!

 

Why is gratitude important? Gratitude is an amazing way to keep yourself in check. It can help you shift your perspective and settle into a more positive mindset. Let’s be real: this year has been rough. Everyone has had to put some part of their life on hold. People have suffered huge losses, including loss of normalcy. With that being said, there is still so much to be thankful for! In times when you might be feeling down, or unmotivated, or even frustrated, writing down a few things that you are grateful for each day can help you feel better. 

 

There are scientifically proven benefits to gratitude. As stated in a Time Magazine article, practicing gratitude can make you more patient and better suited to make sensible decisions. It can also improve your relationships with other people – when you express gratitude toward them, it may encourage them to do the same. It can improve your physical health as well, and even helps you sleep better. Finally, there is the obvious benefit: practicing gratitude can greatly improve your mental health*. Because gratitude is a frame of mind, it leads you to shift your thinking when looking at the bigger picture, and can greatly improve your mood long-term.

 

It’s important to practice gratitude year-round. While Thanksgiving and the holiday season are great times of year to hone in on your gratitude and perhaps share it more publicly, this is a practice you should keep up as much as you can. Try incorporating gratitude into your day-to-day life. Start simple by writing down 3 things you’re grateful for at the beginning or end of each day. You’ll start to see all of the amazing things that practicing gratitude does to your brain!

 

Here are some things our team is grateful for this year:

 

“My family and friends.”

~ Meredith

 

“Grateful for connection! Where we have been forced to be distant, I think it has made me appreciate everyday interactions a lot more. [I’m also] grateful for an industry that allows us to work so closely with women. We meet amazing people and it is so fun to get to know everyone’s stories.”

~ Alyssa

 

“Grateful for my health and my job!”

~ Emilee

 

“I’m grateful that this year’s strange circumstances have given me the chance to spend time with my family that I normally wouldn’t get. I’m also grateful for all of the compassion people have shown each other this year – we’re all experiencing the same crazy thing, and I love seeing people connect through their solidarity in that.”

~ Ellie

 

“I’m incredibly grateful to have a career in a field that I feel so passionately about. I’m truly blessed to have clients who trust, love and support me each and every day, who I now call my dearest friends. Last but not least, I am eternally grateful for my loving and supportive family, without you guys none of this would be possible.”

~ Asia

 

“I’m so grateful for my family, friends and career for keeping me grounded during such chaotic times. I am thankful to have had tons of growth opportunities this year and truly feel blessed with a support system and community that give me confidence and a sense of belonging. Oh and I’m grateful for my pup, she is everything.” 

~ Emily

 

“I’m grateful for an amazing job and the clients that make it possible! I love working in a field that’s full of talented, independent artists with a focus on empowerment and confidence.”

~ Ryanne 

 

“This year has brought many new learning experiences along with much joy, and great personal fulfillment. I’m grateful for all the positive energy surrounding my life that has made all this possible. Having a job I’m passionate about with a wonderful work environment. Importantly, my lovely clients making that happen with their loyalty and trust in me during these times. I couldn’t be more thankful for my loving and supporting family. Grateful for the motivation and drive they create for me but most of all for the love they help me discover in myself.”

~ Erika

 

*We are not doctors or mental health professionals – these are simply suggestions and practices we try to incorporate in our own lives