Gratitude Makes For Happier People

December 15, 2014 by lilmissfitnessfreak 34 Comments

I’m done exams and off now for 3 whole weeks! Weeeooo

Now that’s something to be grateful for! 😀

So I learned in one of my classes that thinking about the things are are grateful for is one of the major contributing factors to a persons happiness. I suppose I can see why…

Thinking about what you are grateful for shows you the good things you have in your life
How those things affect you in a positive way or benefit your life
Allows you to see what’s important in your life vs. what things should not take up so much head space
Could possibly allow for a more rational assessment of negative situations. For example, me going through my exams and getting all stressed and anxious

So with that being said, and, in addition to the fact that I missed making my top 20 list of things I’m grateful for the previous Sunday for the Elf4Health Challenge with The Lean Green Bean, I decided to share them with you all.

1. My family and Friends

I’m thankful for the support I have in my life. Those people who bring me happiness. Those people who build me up and provide me with strength when I’m doubting myself. They give me love and will do anything for me, as I would do right back for them. I don’t have a massive circle of close friends, but I cherish the true strong bonds that I have formed and will carry those forever.

As for my parents, I’m always thankful for the relationship I have with them. It makes me sad to hear people talk negatively about going home or their family environment because without them, I would be lost. They are two of my best friends and I adore them more than anything in this world.

2. You guys of course!

You guys have stuck by me even when times got busy and I was a lil bit more neglectful than I should/wanted to be. You comments, feedback and positivity make me excited to write and vlog to continue to share my thoughts with you all. You are a great support system for me even if you don’t know it.

3. My health

It has gone through it’s ups and downs and I’m still trying to sort some things out, but I have been given a life to live, legs to stand on and walk with and the ability to reach for my dreams. How could I complain about that?

4. My education

I have been given the ability to work towards my dream job! I cannot wait to continue to learn more about nutrition and then start helping others!

5. My baby

Obviously! I don’t think words are needed. She’s my fur bundle of love and where ever she is, there is a smile and a laugh.

6. My traditions

I love family time and some of the best times are those traditions that make the holidays what they are. For example, today my Mom and I did the Xmas tree together! This is just one of the things that has to happen for me or it doesn’t feel like Christmas

Naked tree…

All done!

Just so you know, this is only the main tree…we have about 5-6 trees total in our house. #ChristmasHarderThanUs

7. I don’t have to live in a world of fear

There are always going to be bad things that can happen, but I can always say that I’m happy to not be stuck in a world of war where hearing bombs, guns and screaming is just a typical day. That should never be normal. War should just never happen IMO

I can go on a rant about how childish and useless I think war is, but I won’t start that fire here.

8. My body

My temple. It houses my soul and despite being a lil battered in its young life, still lets me live my life. It not only allows for me to do my daily tasks, but it allows for me to do what I love, which is lifting. It never ceases to amazing me how strong it is.

Yeah I went there with the bathroom selfies. Pictures show progress mmmkay?

I may still be scrawny, but I’m growing. Slowly but surely. Can my booty grow faster pleeeze? #NeedMoeFood.

9. Good food

Who wouldn’t be thankful for good food.

10. Living somewhere where I can have anything I want…to an extent.

I didn’t know how to put this in a different way. What I mean is that I have access to really everything I could ever need, want and much more. The only thing that caps that ability is money. I’m fortunate enough to live somewhere where food, water and resources in general are in abundance. I’m also lucky enough that I can utilize them rather than just be surrounded by them but cannot afford to have them. Yes, there are obviously tons of things I can’t afford to have…

Maggie will always be my baby despite not living with me, but when I can afford one of my own, I will have my own fur baby to have 24/7.

But I am privileged to be able to afford school, food, shelter and all the things to keep me content and healthy. Unfortunately, there are many people who live here that are surrounded by abundance but cannot reach it. That makes me sad.

11. My struggles

Never regret the times in your life where you have struggled. You are better because of them. There has been a post I have been wanting to make for a while, but it will also take a lot of strength to make public. It may not come as a surprise to you, but perhaps I can work up the courage over this break.

12. Sunshine

Automatic boost in energy and always puts a smile on my face.

13. Having so many opportunities to explore passions

There are so many things we can do to find what we truly love and not everyone has that ability. I have taught a cooking class with friends, teaching eager to learn members of our community. I have had the ability to share my thoughts with you because of this blogging platform. I was able to see that being a vet was not a career for me because I had the opportunity to volunteer in a clinic.

Take opportunities as they come and embrace what they can add to your life.

14. Good people.

It may sound weird to say, but it can sometimes be hard to find true kindness and altruism these days. I’m not saying you have to give up your life to be considered a good person, but holding the door open for someone, paying it forward once and a while or just saying thank you can really make for a positive environment.

15. Entertainment.

Whether that’s music, movies, or reality TV, it’s always there when you need to unwind.

16. Laughter

Another form of universal medicine. Need a boost? Let out a lil giggle and see how far that takes you.

17. Ability to explore exotic places

I haven’t done as much traveling as I would like, but I will always appreciate the ability to be able to go explore places and cultures different from my own.

18. Spices

Is that weird to say? I guess I’m just going back to “I love food.” They make things interesting.

19. Love.

One of the most basic human emotions. We need it to live. Make sure you always show your loved ones how much you care and never take relationships for granted.

20. My confidence.

You have to understand that I was the most UNconfident person all throughout my life and through my struggle late in high school and some events in university, I have found myself and have really come to love the confidence that has blossomed inside me. As an example, I would have never left the house before without some form of make up on my face, but now I can publicize my naked face to the world (ie you guys) and be okay with that.

That is not to say that it’s all about external things, but that was a huge step for me because, like many, my appearance really affected the way I felt about myself. Looking more within, this confidence has also come the ability to speak for what I want and what I believe in. To walk into a room full of people and just start talking to a random person. To being able to share my ideas and opinions with you guys. I have come a far way and I’m proud of myself for it so it’s most definitely something I’m grateful for because a lack of confidence leaves you spinning your wheels and going now where. #LoveYourself