| Inspirational and motivational experts encourage | | | | so it helps get my subconscious mind into a |
| us to incorporate a gratitude and appreciation | | | | positive and serene place. For example, I might |
| practice into our lives. This helps bring us into a | | | | say "Sheryl, I appreciate all you have done today. |
| very positive state of awareness and receiving. | | | | You wrote two articles today. You posted to |
| As we appreciate the good in our lives and focus | | | | your blog. You worked on building your Reiki |
| on it, the exhilarating positive vibrations that we | | | | practice. You set three new goals. You had that |
| give off serve to draw more of the same to us! | | | | extremely healthy salad for lunch. Even though |
| Understanding and using this concept can greatly | | | | you really didn't feel like it, you went to work out |
| enhance our life by supercharging our sense of | | | | at the gym and you felt great afterward. You |
| accomplishment and self-worth. | | | | cooked your husband's favorite meal." Then -- and |
| I believe that one of the most powerful ways to | | | | this is essential -- express love for yourself! This |
| focus on appreciation is at night, at the end of our | | | | may feel and seem odd at first, but if you can |
| day. When we are winding down from all the | | | | get into this, it is a very effective |
| activity of the day and our mind starts to quiet, | | | | self-empowerment tool. |
| then we can effectively tune in to our inner | | | | 4) Gratitude Focus at Bedtime - If mirror work |
| thoughts and body rhythms. We can then clearly | | | | does not quite resonate with you, then try a few |
| reflect on what we are grateful for from that | | | | gratitude moments right before bed, or even in |
| particular day. | | | | bed, before you drift off to sleep. Take this time |
| Here are a few suggestions: | | | | to reflect on your day. Choose activities and |
| 1) Affirmations - Write a few positive gratitude | | | | accomplishments that were meaningful to you. |
| statements about those events and people that | | | | Appreciate the goodness of your day. Even if you |
| inspired you that particular day. These can be | | | | feel it was not the easiest of days, FIND those |
| very specific or they can be general. You can | | | | bright spots and center in on those. Even if you |
| focus in on people or events, or just pick up on | | | | had a demanding day on the job, but you finished |
| the uplifting emotions of the day. You can even | | | | a project, or moved along on one, or helped |
| repeat these affirmations in the morning as a | | | | someone else solve a problem or accomplish |
| continuation of the good-feeling state of mind | | | | something, celebrate that. Congratulate yourself |
| from the previous night. | | | | on any goals you attained. Replay any special |
| 2) Journaling - Take a few minutes to write an | | | | family or friend moments that bring a smile to |
| entry in a journal or notebook. Or just write a | | | | your heart. As with the Gratitude in the Mirror |
| "gratitude note." You don't need to write an entire | | | | suggestion, make sure to appreciate yourself too. |
| volume -- just a few clear sentences about those | | | | Thank yourself for just being you and for doing |
| especially fulfilling moments in your day that | | | | the best that you can with the knowledge and life |
| caught the gratitude feeling in your heart! | | | | understanding that you have. Then, let yourself be |
| 3) Gratitude in the Mirror - In his book "The | | | | lulled to sleep in this positive state of mind. |
| Success Principles" Jack Canfield suggests a | | | | Affirmation, Attitude, Action series to help bring in |
| uniquely empowering gratitude practice which is | | | | the daily appreciation: |
| done with mirror work. Look at yourself in the | | | | - Today was filled with inspiring people, joyful |
| mirror and have an upbeat conversation with | | | | experiences and heartwarming memories. |
| yourself. Appreciate yourself with a series of | | | | - It is easy for me to recall all the beautiful |
| statements reflecting on your day and your | | | | aspects of my day -- and I am grateful. |
| accomplishments, both small and large. | | | | - In this place of appreciation, I look forward to |
| I use this method and find it powerful. | | | | tomorrow and welcome joyful experiences into |
| Afterwards, I have a joyful sense of | | | | my life. |
| accomplishment. I try to do this right before bed, | | | | |