December 5, 2017

An Attitude of Gratitude

What is the best way to feel better anytime, anywhere?

I wanted to share the most helpful coping mechanism I’ve learned, as well as the happy pictures from our Thanksgiving trip. 🙂

*Skip down to the bottom to see outfit details: I’m loving my long cardigan with sneakers! *

With the holidays rolling around again, and on the heels of a recent family trip, it occurred to me that I have developed the most wonderful coping mechanism. If only I had known how to do this as a teenager! And no… it’s not retail therapy 😉

It’s the power of gratitude.

I was first encouraged to start practicing gratitude in my late 20’s and I am grateful to say this tool is still going strong and helping me on a daily basis. I do it so often, it’s almost unconscious. If you haven’t tried it, it may sound trite, but trust me it is a magic potion.

So how do you acquire an attitude of gratitude?

It is the key to relieving stress, improving relationships, and increasing problem-solving skills. All you have to do is make a list of 5 things you are grateful for and reflect on it. For example, If your husband or Mom gets on your nerves, think of 5 things you are grateful for and all of a sudden, balance is restored. It sounds easy, but it may feel counter-intuitive at first. However, once you get the hang of it, there’s no turning back.

I also use this trick anytime I am feeling insecure, afraid, or anxious. When I make my “Gratitude List,” For example, I usually start with my dogs, my health and then I think of my loved ones. Then, I move on to little things like how nice the Amazon delivery person was, etc. If you are new to this, I suggest physically writing down your gratitude list to really solidify it.

Write. Reflect. Relief.

After you are done making your list, don’t forget to reflect on what you have written. Instantly, a wave of relief will wash over. I wish I had known how to do this as a young girl. I just hope I never forget it!

Hope it helps you as much as it helps me. What are you grateful for? Tell me!

Outfit Details

I have never owned a long cardigan like this before and it has been one of my go-to pieces for the past couple months. This one is cashmere and the fit is so sleek.

I love that 70s style higher waisted flair corduroy pants have been making a comeback. These are from last year’s collection at Madewell, but I found some that are almost identical HERE.

This denim bag is from several seasons ago but The Real Real inc. has the exact same one if it hasn’t sold out yet 🙂 The Free People boho vibes are really doing it for me recently. It’s all because their online store is so much better than the actual store in the mall. Lord help me 😉 Check it out HERE.